Canadian freestyle skier and current Olympic silver medalist, Mikaël Kingsbury, revealed that he is nearing full recovery from a left groin injury he sustained four months ago during training. Kingsbury, who had to withdraw from a competition in Finland due to the injury, expressed his satisfaction with his progress but acknowledged he is not yet at 100%. He emphasized the importance of making wise decisions as he gears up for the World Cup moguls event in Val St-Côme, Quebec, with a focus on his ultimate goal – the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan Cortina.
With an impressive record of 99 World Cup victories, Kingsbury is set to compete in the single moguls event on Friday and will assess his condition before committing to the dual moguls event on Saturday. The seasoned 33-year-old athlete has excelled on the challenging Val St-Côme course in the past, achieving remarkable success including multiple wins on consecutive days last February. Kingsbury expressed his love for competing in front of his supporters and underlined the familiarity he has with the Val St-Côme course, which serves as a training ground between competitions.
Reflecting on his journey towards potentially reaching 100 career victories, Kingsbury recalled how he once thought the milestone was unattainable after winning Olympic gold in Pyeongchang in 2018. However, with one victory away from the century mark, he remains focused and motivated, acknowledging the significant impact of his mental and physical preparation. Despite facing setbacks from the recent injury, Kingsbury has diligently pursued various treatments to aid his recovery process, including ice therapy, physiotherapy, and laser therapy.
As he approaches the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina, Kingsbury aims to inspire young fans and aspiring athletes by sharing his experiences as a former admirer of elite athletes himself. He recognizes the importance of giving back and inspiring the next generation, emphasizing the significance of staying connected to his childhood dreams. With the potential milestone of his 100th win on the horizon, Kingsbury remains determined to perform at his best and hopes to deliver a memorable performance for his supporters.
Following the Val St-Côme event, the World Cup circuit will move to Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, for the next competition. Originally planned for Deer Valley Resort in Utah, the event relocation was prompted by challenging weather conditions. Kingsbury anticipates the upcoming competitions with enthusiasm, eager to showcase his skills before a global audience at the Winter Games.
