Canada has announced its flag-bearers for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, with Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson leading the way. The duo, set to compete in their fourth Winter Games, will march alongside their freestyle skiing and snowboard teammates in Livigno. This year’s opening ceremony will be unique, with the parade of nations taking place in different locations simultaneously, including Milan’s San Siro Stadium, and the mountain clusters of Cortina and Predazzo.
The Canadian team, consisting of over 200 members, will be spread across six Olympic villages in Northern Italy, covering a vast area of 22,000 square kilometres. Kingsbury, a star moguls skier with an impressive track record, expressed his pride and excitement at being chosen as a flag-bearer, considering it a significant honor in his career. The 33-year-old athlete, who has already secured multiple Olympic medals, is gearing up for what may be his final Olympic appearance.
Thompson, a ski cross racer from British Columbia, is also looking forward to the Games despite recovering from a knee injury. Both Kingsbury and Thompson will have the honor of leading Team Canada into the opening ceremony, following in the footsteps of past Canadian flag-bearers.
The opening ceremony will be broadcast live on CBC-TV, with full coverage available on CBC Gem and the CBC Olympic website. Kingsbury, who recently achieved his 100th World Cup win, is determined to add more medals to his collection in the upcoming Games. Thompson, on the other hand, is focused on overcoming her injury setbacks and aiming for success on the slopes.
As they prepare for the Games, both athletes are motivated to perform their best and make their mark on the world stage once again. With their shared experiences and camaraderie, Kingsbury and Thompson are ready to represent Canada with pride and determination in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
