WATERVILLE VALLEY — Canadian freestyle ski star Mikael Kingsbury won the gold medal at Friday's World Cup men's moguls event.
The 32-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Que., put down a run of 84.95 points in the second final to pick up the 93rd World Cup victory of his career.
Kingsbury said he had initially planned a tougher final run, but he pivoted when Japan's Ikuma Horishima, who went just before Kingsbury, was not able to land an attempt at a 1,440 (four full rotations) off the top air.
“It was supposed to be a double full 10, but I struggled with the top air all week," Kingsbury said. "It’s not the kind of shape or jump that I usually do well in. When I saw Ikuma miss his landing, I looked at my coach and I said 'back full.'
“I knew I was going to stomp it. After that, it’s just getting a good 10 (off the bottom air)."
Kingsbury, now in his 16th season, has 133 medals in 154 World Cup events. He has three gold medals and a silver in five events this season.
Nick Page of the United States, who skied last in the second final, was second with 83.55 points, followed by France's Benjamin Cavet with 74.55.
"I could’ve gone a bit faster," Kingsbury said. "I guess I opened a bit of a window for Nick. He did an amazing run. I’m glad it fell on my side, but he skied amazing all day.
“I played it smart, and it paid off. It feels amazing.”
France's Perrine Laffont (77.42) won gold in the women's event followed by Americans Jaelin Kauf (77.39) and Olivia Giaccio (75.52).
Maia Schwinghammer of Saskatoon was fourth with 74.99 points.
The World Cup stop at Waterville Valley Resort continues Saturday with the second dual moguls competition of the season.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 24, 2025.
The Canadian Press
