A broad smile spread across Prime Minister Mark Carney’s face as he connected with the athlete who shattered Canada’s perceived Olympic “curse.” The video call followed Mikael Kingsbury’s historic win, finally securing the nation’s first gold medal at the Milano-Cortina Games in Italy.
The conversation, filled with genuine warmth, began with Carney inquiring about Kingsbury’s well-being. The mogul superstar needed no words; he simply raised his gleaming gold medal, his own smile mirroring the prime minister’s joy.
Carney then referenced the mounting pressure and social media chatter surrounding Canada’s initial struggles for gold. Kingsbury revealed he’d seen the comments, fueling his determination. “I woke up very motivated and I wanted to get that gold,” he explained, emphasizing the significance of being the first to win dual moguls at the Games and finally putting Canada on the board.
The prime minister lauded Kingsbury’s remarkable career, spanning four Olympics and five medals. He highlighted the timing of the victory, acknowledging the nation’s need for a unifying moment amidst recent tragedy and hardship. “You just make us so proud,” Carney stated, recognizing the power of Kingsbury’s achievement to bring the country together.
Carney playfully acknowledged the gold-medal final, where Kingsbury defeated Japan’s Ikuma Horishima, a competitor Kingsbury himself had identified as his successor. He joked that Kingsbury’s skill was so exceptional, it “pushed” his rival off course.
Kingsbury humbly expressed his pride in being Canadian, a sentiment immediately echoed by the prime minister. Carney thanked him for his contribution to national pride and wished him well in his celebrations, anticipating a warm welcome upon his return.
This victory marked a particularly poignant moment, as Kingsbury had announced these Winter Olympics would be his last. He concluded his Olympic journey on a high note, adding a gold in dual moguls to his silver in singles, alongside his previous three medals – a gold and two silvers – from prior Games.
Kingsbury’s final performance wasn’t just a win; it was a glorious end to an era, a testament to dedication, and a beacon of hope for a nation eager to celebrate a champion.
