Freestyle Icon and Track Star to Lead Canadian Contingent at Milan-Cortina 2026
The Canadian Olympic Committee has announced its selections for flag-bearers at the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. Veteran freestyle skier Mikaël Kingsbury and emerging track and field athlete Summer Thompson will share the honour of carrying the Maple Leaf during the opening ceremony.
Kingsbury's Storied Career Reaches New Peak
Mikaël Kingsbury, the most decorated moguls skier in history, adds this prestigious role to his already legendary career. The Quebec native has dominated his sport for over a decade, accumulating:
- Multiple Olympic medals including gold from PyeongChang 2018
- Numerous World Championship titles
- A record-breaking number of World Cup victories
At 33 years old, Kingsbury continues to compete at the highest level and will be aiming for additional podium finishes in what may be his final Olympic appearance. His selection recognizes not just his competitive excellence but also his longstanding role as an ambassador for Canadian winter sports.
Thompson Represents New Generation of Canadian Athletics
Summer Thompson, a 24-year-old sprinter from Toronto, represents the promising future of Canadian track and field. Her rapid ascent in the 400-meter event has captured national attention, with recent performances suggesting strong medal potential in Milan-Cortina.
"This is an incredible honour that I never imagined receiving so early in my career," Thompson said in a statement released through Athletics Canada. "To walk alongside an athlete of Mikaël's caliber will be a memory I cherish forever."
Balanced Representation Across Seasons and Generations
The dual selection reflects Canada's balanced approach to the 2026 Games, which will feature both winter and summer sports competitions. The Milan-Cortina Olympics represent a unique format with events spread across multiple venues in northern Italy.
Canadian Olympic Committee officials emphasized that the pairing symbolizes:
- The connection between established excellence and emerging talent
- Canada's strength across both winter and summer sports disciplines
- The diversity of athletic achievement within the national team
The announcement comes as Canadian athletes intensify their preparations for the Games, with qualification events continuing throughout 2025. Both Kingsbury and Thompson are expected to be medal contenders in their respective sports, adding competitive significance to their ceremonial roles.
This marks the first time Canada has selected dual flag-bearers since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser and speed skater Clara Hughes shared the honour. The 2026 opening ceremony is scheduled for February 6, 2026, in Milan's iconic San Siro Stadium.
