More than 20 years later, the sheet is still there, glued to the ceiling above the bed of Mikaël Kingsbury’s former bedroom. Under the image of the Olympic rings, three words: “I will win [sic] “.
Nine-year-old Mikaël was listening to the moguls event at the Salt Lake City Olympics with his father in 2002 when he decided to print the Olympic logo. It wasn’t until later that day that her parents, Julie Thibaudeau and Robert Kingsbury, noticed the leaf on the ceiling in her bedroom. Another identical sheet is on the side of the headboard. Before falling asleep in the evening, the little skier dreamed.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
One of the two sheets with the Olympic logo in Mikaël Kingsbury’s former bedroom
“I had already explained to him the power of visualization, tells us the father. I had already explained to him that your dreams can come true. We taught our children that sky is the limit. You can do whatever you want in life. »
Mikaël’s former bedroom, located in the basement of the pretty family home in Deux-Montagnes, almost reminds you of a small museum. Many memories are piled up there: on the desk, dozens of photos; on the headboard, a pile of fluff.
“When I go to the Olympics, I buy souvenirs for her future children. […] I’m cheesy! exclaims M.me Thibaudeau.
On the main floor, on the television cabinet, are aligned the famous crystal globes. They are almost all there – Mikaël brought some of them to his new home, acquired at the end of December.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The crystal globes won by Mikaël Kingsbury
Over the past few weeks, the three-time Olympic medalist has made sure to add two more globes to his collection; its 22e and 23e in career. He has thus surpassed the record for his sport, which until then belonged to the Swiss Conny Kissling.
At the beginning of February, during the World Cup in Val Saint-Côme, the former Olympic champion Jean-Luc Brassard affirmed to The Press that Kingsbury “comes from a great family background that is all about growth, not results”.
That is what brought us here, to Deux-Montagnes. Where the king of moguls was forged…
Human values
Mikaël Kingsbury was introduced to skiing at the age of 4; his parents owned a chalet in Saint-Sauveur, on the edge of the slopes. Skiing has become a family activity for the clan of three children – the eldest, Maxime, and the youngest, Audrey, have also skied at a high level. “It is a virus that has passed to us! says Julie Thibaudeau with a smile.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The very young Mikaël Kingsbury (left) with his big brother Maxime
Mikael was a natural; whatever sport he tried, he excelled. But skiing and snowboarding won her heart.
“He found a cardboard box with us in the summer and he put both feet on it,” recalls Robert Kingsbury.
Sport quickly took a big place in the life of the young man. From his first competitions, he was successful. At home, he used crayons to rehearse his jumps. He reproduced with his mouth the sound of skis changing direction in the snow.
He saw the movement, he dissected. Coaches told me he had great aerospace sense.
Julie Thibaudeau
“People came to see us and said, ‘You guys are in trouble! It is good !” “, she recalls.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The parents of Mikaël Kingsbury, Robert Kingsbury and Julie Thibaudeau
But the parents wanted only one thing: that their son goes through adolescence with a passion. “We wanted him to have a group of friends like him, too,” says Robert Kingsbury.
Human values were valued more than results. The best compliment we got was when people came up to us and told us how much [Mikaël] is a good person, how much he plays a role with young people from other countries.
Robert Kingsbury
Our conversation is interrupted by a call on Mrs.me Thibaudeau: it’s Mikaël, live from Italy. “I just wanted to tell you that I’m fine,” he told his parents, agreeing to call them back a little later.
“That is mandatory! Otherwise, he is in trouble! “Launches the mother laughing after hanging up.
Be happy
Little Mikaël has grown up; great athlete, great ambassador for his sport. His parents, like his brother and sister, watch each of his competitions, no matter the time and place.
To date, Kingsbury have won an absolutely staggering 78 World Cup victories and 6 World Championships. Over the years, everyone got used to seeing the Quebecer win. So much so that a second place almost became a failure.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Medals won by Mikaël Kingsbury
“He created something. He put himself in a position where he creates expectations, ”recognizes Robert Kingsbury.
“But we take it the right way, adds his wife. We take it positively. »
She nevertheless recalls: “It’s beautiful, a second place! If not, when are you happy in life? We must savor our successes! »
Even after so many years, the parents struggle to realize the exploits of their son. “He comes back here and he has his same childhood friends, his same little life. He inquires about his nieces,” notes Mr. Kingsbury.
Their son lives off his passion. He is flourishing. It’s everything the parents have always wanted for their three children.
“The important thing is that everyone finds their way and is happy,” concludes Julie Thibaudeau.