Mikael Kingsbury, a renowned Canadian moguls ski star, showcased his skills during the Olympic qualifying in Milan Cortina, finishing third with a score of 79.11. The qualifying event was held at Livigno Aerials and Moguls Park, where Japan's world champion Ikuma Horishima led the competition with a score of 85.42. Quebec City’s Julien Viel secured the second position, marking a competitive atmosphere among the athletes as they gear up for the Olympics.

Kingsbury's performance highlights his tenacity and preparation as he emphasizes that the Olympic Games extend beyond this qualifying round. Despite being edged out by Horishima, Kingsbury remained confident, stating that while Horishima performed exceptionally, the ultimate victory would not be determined at this stage. This mindset reflects Kingsbury's extensive experience and understanding of competitive skiing, particularly in high-stakes scenarios.

With Kingsbury's notable achievements in the sport, including his victory in the dual moguls the following day after being runner-up to Horishima in a previous event, the expectations are high for him in the upcoming Olympics. The competition is fierce, but Kingsbury's resilience and focus on the broader picture could play a crucial role in his performance in Milan Cortina, where the top athletes continue to refine their skills ahead of the finals.