‘A legend’: Moguls great Mikaël Kingsbury gets high praise from Alexandre Bilodeau

Mikaël Kingsbury has always credited those around him for his success. Now as his career winds down, it’s his turn to receive some praise for his impact on freestyle skiing.

Before the Canadian championships, the 33-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Que., paid tribute to many people while reflecting on his career. Near the top of that list was Alexandre Bilodeau.

At a time when he was just a rookie on the World Cup circuit, the “King of Moguls” tried to absorb everything he could by studying the sport’s elite athletes. Already well established, Bilodeau was among them.

“I had a similar mindset,” said Bilodeau, who won Olympic moguls gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. “You learn from the best by being around the best. I watched Jeremy Bloom and Janne Lahtela, and then you take bits from each of them that stand out to you, and that helps you find your own path.”

Years later, it’s clear the student has surpassed the teacher. Kingsbury, 33, will retire Saturday night with a resume that includes 100 World Cup wins, 29 Crystal Globes, nine world titles and five Olympic medals, including two gold.

“The question answers itself,” said Bilodeau, a 19-time World Cup winner on the World Cup circuit, when asked what Kingsbury represents to freestyle skiing.

“Mikaël is a legend of our sport. He’s broken every record. The person I got to know when he was younger and the human he’s become, he’s an amazing person that I have a lot of respect for.”

Bilodeau knows Kingsbury well, since their families owned cottages near each other in Saint-Sauveur, Que. Bilodeau’s sister, Béatrice, is the same age as Kingsbury, and they skied together.

“I saw him grow up,” Bilodeau said. “I’ve known for a long time that he’d make it to World Cup competition and break through. Did I think he’d win this much? Maybe not, but he always had great talent, and he’s probably one of the most passionate people about our sport.

“He’s truly passionate, and when you’re passionate, that makes a big difference,” he added. “I think everyone on the World Cup circuit is passionate, but Mikaël still lives and breathes it. He still watches videos of Jean-Luc (Brassard) and Lahtela, and he’s 33.”

LIFE AFTER KINGSBURY

Kingsbury’s return to Saint-Sauveur for the Canadian championships was more than just symbolic. He also swept the men’s competitions, winning gold in Friday’s moguls before defeating Carey Cole in the big final of Saturday’s dual moguls.

It was a fitting career close for an athlete who holds virtually every moguls record, but Kingsbury is not the only Canadian with an impressive resume. Before him, Brassard, Bilodeau, Jennifer Heil and Justine Dufour-Lapointe all won Olympic gold and piled up World Cup wins.

No one wants to take anything away from the talent of rising skier Julien Viel and his teammates, or place too much pressure on them. But one thing is clear: Kingsbury cannot be replaced on the national team.

A dip in results is therefore expected, not that it’s concerning.

“It’s like any sport,” Bilodeau said. “You have to expect a bit of a lull, but young athletes develop quickly over a five or six-year cycle. Would anyone have thought that little Mikaël skiing in Saint-Sauveur would go on to win 100 World Cup gold medals? Probably not.”

The next wave of success could come sooner than expected thanks to the legacy of Kingsbury, who never shied away from a leadership role or from setting the standard.

“He started out as an idol,” Viel said. “When I was young, I wanted to be like him. Then he became my mentor, he gave me a lot of advice. And finally, he became my rival. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have him. I wish him all the best in retirement.”

BEYOND MOGULS

Kingsbury’s impact extends well beyond moguls. News of his retirement resonated in Mont-Sainte-Anne, where a snowboard cross World Cup event is taking place this weekend.

“What he’s done for sport in Quebec, it helps other disciplines get more recognition,” said Éliot Grondin, a two-time Crystal Globe winner. “We’ve never had an athlete as dominant as him in Quebec.”

“He’s really a great source of inspiration for Quebec sport,” added Audrey McManiman. “I don’t know him personally, but I had the chance to meet him at the (Milan Cortina Games) opening ceremony. He carried our flag with pride. It was special to walk behind him. He brings great energy and a calm presence. There’s a lot other athletes can learn from that.”

Will that legacy be enough for a Canadian to one day surpass Kingsbury’s records? Nothing is impossible, Bilodeau said. But it won’t be easy.

“Ten years ago, would we have thought Wayne Gretzky’s records could be broken? No,” Bilodeau said. “And they were last year. There are so many factors that come into play that can change the picture, whether it’s rule changes, career longevity, injuries. There are tons of variables.”

— With files from Frédéric Daigle in Beaupré, Que.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2026.

Tommy Thurber, The Canadian Press