Kingsbury Aims for Canada’s First Gold on Olympic Day 9
As Canada approaches Day 9 of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, hopes are high for the country’s first gold medal. Moguls skiing star Mikaël Kingsbury is prominently positioned to secure that win in what could be his final Olympic event.
Mikaël Kingsbury’s Dual Moguls Quest
Kingsbury is set to compete in the men’s dual moguls at 4:30 a.m. ET. He narrowly missed earning his second Olympic gold in the traditional event, finishing with a silver after a tiebreaker against Australia’s Cooper Woods. With five world titles in dual moguls, including four consecutive championships, Kingsbury is a strong contender for gold in this new Olympic event.
His chief competitor, Ikuma Horishima from Japan, won the dual world title in 2017 and has already secured an Olympic bronze this year. Canadian skier Julien Viel also poses a potential medal threat after finishing sixth in the traditional moguls.
Schedule for Men’s Dual Moguls
- Men’s Dual Moguls Start: 4:30 a.m. ET
- Semi-finals: 5:35 a.m. ET
- Small Final (Bronze Medal): 5:46 a.m. ET
- Big Final (Gold Medal): 5:48 a.m. ET
Other Canadian Medal Aspirations on Day 9
Alpine Skiing: Val Grenier in Women’s Giant Slalom
Val Grenier will race in the women’s giant slalom final at 7:30 a.m. ET. Ranked eighth in the World Cup standings, Grenier has captured multiple medals, including gold this season. The competition will include defending Olympic champion Sara Hector and World Cup leader Julia Scheib.
Snowboard Cross: Éliot Grondin and Audrey McManiman
The mixed team event begins at 7:45 a.m. ET. Éliot Grondin, who earned a silver in the men’s event, will join Audrey McManiman for this race. They face a formidable challenge as McManiman sustained an injury during practice.
Ski Jumping: Abi Strate’s Individual Challenge
On Sunday, Abi Strate competes in the women’s large hill event. Her final round starts at 1:57 p.m. ET. Strate has had a breakout season, earning multiple medals, and aims to replicate her past success, including a bronze in the mixed team event during the previous Olympics.
Canadian Men’s Hockey Team
In men’s hockey, Canada will face France at 10:40 a.m. ET. Canada has already secured a place in the quarterfinals but is looking to clinch the top playoff seed. They are currently tied with the U.S., who are also in contention based on goal differential.
Other Events to Watch
- Figure Skating: Pairs Short Program at 1:45 p.m. ET
- Speed Skating: Women’s 500m at 11 a.m. ET
- Curling: Canadian Men vs. China at 1:05 p.m. ET
As Day 9 unfolds, all eyes are on Kingsbury and the Canadian team for potential podium finishes, while several other notable athletes prepare to compete. The anticipation for Canada’s first gold at these Games is palpable.
