Freestyle skier Mikaël Kingsbury decided to sit out of the dual moguls competition on Saturday following his victory in the men’s moguls event, marking his 100th career World Cup win. The competition took place at Val Saint-Come, Que., which was Kingsbury’s first appearance this season after missing the season-opener due to a groin injury.
Despite his win on Friday, Kingsbury had uncertainties about competing on consecutive days. However, a statement from his spokesperson on Saturday confirmed that the Canadian athlete would not participate in the dual moguls event. This decision aligns with Kingsbury’s strategy to ensure his return to competition is gradual and prioritizes his health for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are scheduled to commence on February 6, where dual moguls will be introduced as an Olympic discipline. Kingsbury, who claimed gold in Olympic moguls in 2018 and silver in 2014 and 2022, has an impressive track record with nine gold medals in moguls and dual moguls at the world championship.
In addition to Kingsbury, nine other Canadian male athletes competed in the men’s dual moguls event, while nine Canadian female athletes also took part in the competition on Saturday.