VAL SAINT-COME | In a year without an Olympics or World Cup, Mikaël Kingsbury found the motivation he needed to stay at the top of his sport despite winning everything in his illustrious career.
With seven podiums, including four wins, in as many races since the start of the season, Kingsbury sits at the top of the solo, duo and overall standings.
“The lack of the Olympic Games and the World Championships this year doesn’t change anything for me,” explained the king of moguls. I love what I do and I find it easy to motivate myself. I have the same routine and my everyday life has not changed. However, preserving the crystal ball is even more important.”
“The work remains the same,” Kingsbury continued. I feel like I'm still making progress and not that I'm slowing down. I'm still capable of winning. Regardless of the result, it is a successful day if I reach my full potential, even if an opponent performs better. My goal is to keep going day after day, and with that mentality I achieve success.
“The goal is to exploit my full potential on skis more often,” adds the hard-working 31-year-old. If that’s the case, I’m almost untouchable.”
If his goal is to push his protégé's limits, Michel Hamelin believes Kingsbury will be difficult to destabilize. “Mik enjoys skiing and downhill runs at his level,” said the head coach of the moguls national team. He is difficult to influence and easy to motivate. My goal is to challenge him and push his limits.”
A very special race
After all these years, a home World Cup remains something special for the three-time Olympic champion. “The World Cup in Val Saint-Côme is very important in the calendar this year. Whether in Saint-Gabriel, Tremblant or Val Saint-Côme, I have always done well at home and finished on the podium in every race and I am proud of that. As with major events, the Val Saint-Côme World Cup is a competition where I want to perform on demand. It’s fun to have the party somewhere else, but it’s even more fun to do well at home when you hear people calling your name.”
Nothing acquired
While many think the podium is in the bag every time Kingsbury is on the grid, the main concern doesn't see things that way.
“Some people have the impression that it is easy to get on the podium, but it is not easy,” assured the author of 84 World Cup victories. Each event allows multiple skiers to reach the podium. I don’t take anything for granted.”
With his experience, the Deux-Montagnes-born skier copes very well with pressure. “The peak of sporting pressure came when I won my first gold medal at the Pyeongchang Games. When I experience stressful times now, I think back to the 2018 Games. I’ve proven that I can perform well under pressure.”