Canadian freestyle skier and current Olympic silver medalist, Mikaël Kingsbury, shared that he is nearing full recovery from a left groin injury he sustained four months ago during training. Despite not being at 100%, Kingsbury expressed satisfaction with his progress and emphasized the importance of making smart decisions ahead of the upcoming World Cup moguls event in Val St-Côme, Que.
With 99 World Cup victories under his belt, Kingsbury is set to compete in the single moguls event on Friday, with a decision on his participation in the dual moguls event on Saturday pending his health evaluation. The 33-year-old athlete has a successful track record at Val St-Côme, having secured victories in both singles and dual moguls in the past.
Kingsbury, a key contender for Canada at the upcoming Winter Games in Italy, where dual moguls will debut as an Olympic event, expressed his excitement to compete in front of his home crowd. He highlighted the familiarity and training opportunities the Val St-Côme course offers him, acknowledging the advantage of his extensive experience on the challenging terrain.
Reflecting on his pursuit of 100 World Cup victories, Kingsbury credited his motivation and dedication to training, especially during challenging times like recovering from his recent injury. He revealed that despite doubts earlier in his career, he now stands on the brink of achieving this significant milestone, with his focus remaining on delivering his best performance without undue pressure.
Kingsbury detailed his recovery process for the groin injury, which included various treatments to aid healing and reduce discomfort. As he looks ahead to the Olympics, he acknowledged the impact of his performances on young fans and shared his commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes, reminiscing about his own aspirations as a child and the importance of giving back to the community.
Following the Val St-Côme event, the World Cup circuit will move to Waterville Valley, N.H., for the next competition, as a change in venue was necessary due to challenging weather conditions. Kingsbury remains optimistic and eager to compete before fans at the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina, aiming to continue his legacy in freestyle skiing.