Canadian Skiing Stars to Lead Olympic Delegation in Italy
The Canadian Olympic Committee has made a significant announcement ahead of the upcoming Winter Games, selecting two veteran skiers to represent the nation as flag bearers. Moguls specialist Mikael Kingsbury and ski cross champion Marielle Thompson will have the distinct honour of carrying the Maple Leaf during the opening ceremonies for the Milano-Cortina Olympics.
Dual Ceremonies for Scattered Venues
This year's Olympic opening will feature a unique format with simultaneous ceremonies across multiple locations in Northern Italy. The events will take place in Milan, Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo to accommodate the geographically dispersed competition venues. Both Kingsbury and Thompson will participate in the Livigno ceremony, which is conveniently located near their respective competition sites.
Fourth Olympic Appearance for Both Athletes
Milano-Cortina will mark the fourth Olympic Games for both athletes, demonstrating their remarkable longevity and consistency at the highest level of winter sports. Thompson's Olympic journey includes a gold medal victory in women's ski cross at Sochi 2014 and a silver medal performance in Beijing 2022. Her Beijing achievement was particularly impressive considering it came less than a year after she underwent surgery for an ACL tear.
"Being asked to carry the Canadian flag is one of the highest honours in my Olympic journey," Thompson expressed in the official COC release. "There are so many amazing athletes to select from, so to be chosen is really kind of unbelievable, but just very special."
Shared History and Camaraderie
The selection of these two athletes together highlights their parallel careers and mutual respect. Both 34 years old, they have progressed through the ranks of Canadian skiing simultaneously, creating a natural bond that makes their joint selection particularly meaningful.
"Mikael and I have been to each Olympics together and we're the same age, so we've kind of come up together in this sport," Thompson noted. "I think we've definitely got some camaraderie and it's very cool to be sharing this honour together."
Kingsbury's Impressive Medal Record
Mikael Kingsbury brings an extraordinary Olympic record to this honour, having medaled at all three Games he has competed in thus far. His Olympic journey began with a silver medal at Sochi 2014, where he finished behind fellow Canadian Alexandre Bilodeau. He then claimed gold at PyeongChang 2018, helping Canada become the first country to win the same freestyle skiing event at three consecutive Olympic Games. His silver medal at Beijing 2022 made him the first male moguls skier ever to win three Olympic medals.
"Being named flag bearer is one of the greatest honours I've ever received," Kingsbury stated. "It's truly special to do so alongside an exceptional athlete like Marielle, especially since we got our start in our sport around the same time."
The veteran skier added that he plans to "try to enjoy it all, live in the moment as best I can, because I know it's going to go by really fast, and it's something I'll be able to remember for the rest of my life."
Symbolic Leadership for Canadian Team
This dual selection represents more than just individual achievement—it symbolizes the strength and depth of Canada's winter sports program. Both athletes have demonstrated resilience, consistency, and excellence throughout their careers, making them ideal representatives for the entire Canadian Olympic delegation.
The announcement comes as Canada prepares to send a strong contingent to Italy for the 2026 Winter Games, with Kingsbury and Thompson now positioned to lead their fellow athletes both symbolically and inspirationally as they pursue podium finishes across various disciplines.
