Canada's Mikael Kingsbury claimed victory in the men’s World Cup freestyle moguls event on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. The competition showcased Kingsbury’s skill and determination as he secured the top spot on the podium. The achievement was captured in photos by Robert F. Bukaty for The Canadian Press and the Associated Press.
Canadian freestyle skiing legend Mikael Kingsbury secured his 93rd career World Cup victory in a thrilling performance during the men's moguls event at Waterville Valley Resort on Friday. The 32-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, showcased his skill with an impressive run of 84.95 points in the second final, outshining his competitors and adding another gold medal to his collection.
Kingsbury’s strategic decision-making was on full display during the event. Initially planning a complex routine, he adjusted his approach after Japan's Ikuma Horishima, who performed just before him, stumbled while attempting a challenging 1,440-degree rotation off the top air. "I was supposed to go for a double full 10, but the top air has been tricky for me this week," Kingsbury shared. "When I saw Ikuma miss, I decided to go for a back full instead." Confident in his execution, Kingsbury noted, "I knew I was going to nail it. From there, it was all about landing a solid 10 off the bottom air."
In a career spanning 16 seasons, Kingsbury continues to dominate the sport with unmatched consistency. His remarkable record includes 133 podium finishes in 154 World Cup events. This season alone, he has clinched three gold medals and a silver across five competitions.
The event saw stiff competition from Nick Page of the United States, who secured second place with 83.55 points after an impressive run. France’s Benjamin Cavet rounded out the podium with 74.55 points. Reflecting on the race, Kingsbury admitted, "I could've pushed a bit harder, which left a small opening for Nick. He skied brilliantly today. But in the end, my strategy worked, and it feels incredible."
In the women's moguls event, France's Perrine Laffont claimed gold with a score of 77.42, narrowly beating Americans Jaelin Kauf (77.39) and Olivia Giaccio (75.52). Canadian Maia Schwinghammer from Saskatoon finished just shy of the podium, placing fourth with 74.99 points.
The competition continues at Waterville Valley Resort on Saturday with the season’s second dual moguls event, promising more excitement and fierce rivalry.
