Mikael Kingsbury Makes History: Breaks FIS World Cup Record with 87 Wins
Calgary, AB – February 2, 2024
In a spectacular display of skill and dominance, Canadian mogul skier Mikael Kingsbury etched his name in the annals of skiing history by surpassing the legendary Ingemar Stenmark’s record for the most FIS World Cup victories by a male athlete. The opening day of the Intermountain Healthcare FIS Freestyle moguls World Cup at Deer Valley Resort witnessed Kingsbury’s unparalleled performance, securing his 87th World Cup win and solidifying his status as the King of moguls.
The iconic Champion Run at Deer Valley served as the battleground for this historic achievement. The nighttime event drew a massive audience eager to witness Kingsbury’s pursuit of greatness. Known for its challenging course, Champion Run set the stage for a thrilling showdown among the world’s best moguls skiers. Mikael Kingsbury rose to the occasion, conquering the course and claiming his 87th World Cup victory, leaving the crowd in awe of his prowess.
After the competition, Kingsbury was clearly in shock as it still had not set in that he now stood alone as the greatest male athlete in FIS World Cup history. Standing at the top all Kingsbury could think of was catching Ikuma for the yellow bib. It is not often the King has butterfly’s but standing at the top this time was different. However, as the King of Moguls, those went out the window once he started skiing. Upon completion of Kingsbury’s run, he saw his score and realized he had just reached 87.
FC CEO Peter Judge had the following to say about Kingsbury’s historic accomplishment “We continue to be astounded by Mik. 87 World Cup victories is an astounding total but when you put it in the context of the decades of relentless pursuit of excellence, the significant gravity of his accomplishment becomes even more glaringly apparent. To stay at the leading edge of such a physically demanding sport for this long is a testament to Mik’s tenacious spirit, laser focus, and commitment to give everything, every day. His legend though is more contained in his unrelenting hard-core work ethic wrapped in an approachable personality and infectious smile. If there’s one thing we can be sure of, 87 is only another beginning for Mik!”
Julien Viel also showcased his skills, reaching the final and finishing 12th in a competitive field of athletes. On the women’s side, Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert achieved a personal best with an 8th-place finish, while teammate Maia Schwinghammer secured the 9th position, adding to the Canadian success at Deer Valley.
The excitement of the FIS Freestyle World Cup at Deer Valley will continue with the transition to the White Owl venue for the aerials competition on Friday. Fans can expect more jaw-dropping maneuvers and aerial displays from the world’s best freestyle skiers. The event will then return to Champion Run on Saturday for the dual mogul’s competitions, promising another day of intense ski action and thrilling battles for supremacy.
Mikael Kingsbury’s remarkable feat has not only solidified his status as a skiing legend but has also set a benchmark for future athletes aspiring to reach the pinnacle of World Cup success. As the FIS Freestyle World Cup at Deer Valley unfolds, the skiing community eagerly anticipates more history-making moments and awe-inspiring performances on the slopes.
