5 things to know from Sunday at the Winter Games
Canada celebrates its first gold medal at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, achieved by skier Mikaël Kingsbury, amidst a strong performance in men’s hockey.
During the second half of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Canada secured its first gold medal when freestyle skier Mikaël Kingsbury triumphed in the men's dual moguls final, defeating Japan's Ikuma Horishima. This victory marked a significant moment for Kingsbury, who plans to retire after this year's Games, highlighting the intensity and competitiveness of the event, as Canada had previously earned a mix of silver and bronze medals but lagged behind other nations in the standings lacking a gold at that point.
In addition to Kingsbury's historic performance, Canada’s men's hockey team showcased their strength with a convincing 10-2 victory over France, securing their spot in the quarterfinals. Prominent players such as Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Macklin Celebrini were instrumental in the team's success, demonstrating Canada’s depth in talent as they advance in the tournament. The overwhelming win reflects Canada’s hockey pedigree and sets the stage for exciting upcoming matches in the competition.
The events displaying Canadian athletes underline the growing expectations and high stakes as the Games progress, particularly with the country pushing for a stronger showing in the medal table, where they have previously lagged behind other nations. This emphasis on performance and the narrative of Kingsbury's remarkable career culmination provide a thrilling backdrop as fans eagerly await the next rounds of the Games.