Winter Olympics 2026 live updates: Viel and Kingsbury in moguls finals

As the world watches the Winter Olympics 2026 unfold in the picturesque setting of Milan Cortina, excitement is palpable among fans and athletes alike. Among the standout competitors are Canada's Julien Viel and Mikaël Kingsbury, who have already shown their prowess in the men's moguls event. With the finals fast approaching, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.

Canada's Medal Hopefuls in Men's Moguls

Following the second qualification round of the men's moguls, Canadian skiers Julien Viel and Mikaël Kingsbury have secured second and third positions, respectively, heading into the finals scheduled for 12:15 p.m. local time (6:15 a.m. ET). Japan's Ikuma Horishima has taken the lead and is in first place.

The results echo those from the initial qualification round held earlier in the week, showcasing a consistent performance from these athletes. Given the quality of their runs, it is highly likely that at least one of them will be on the podium later today, barring any unexpected mishaps. A total of twenty athletes will compete in the first final round, with the top eight advancing to the medal round.

The competition is taking place in Livigno, one of the key towns hosting events for the Milan Cortina Olympics, renowned for its ideal freestyle skiing conditions. With sunny weather forecasted, athletes can expect nearly perfect conditions to showcase their skills.

Kingsbury, a seasoned athlete at 33 years old, is under significant pressure as these games mark his last Olympic appearance. He has publicly acknowledged that Horishima represents his toughest competition, recognizing the Japanese skier's remarkable talent. However, Viel, at just 24 years old and hailing from Quebec City, has been a breakout star of these games and could very well challenge Kingsbury for podium positions.

Today's Busy Olympic Schedule

As the excitement continues, fans can look forward to a jam-packed day of events in Italy. Both Canada's men's and women's hockey teams are set to hit the ice, women’s curling will commence, and Mikael Kingsbury will pursue his fourth Olympic medal in moguls.

Additionally, Canada's speed skaters will aim to bolster the nation's medal tally in the women's 5000m event, along with the short track races in both women's 500m and men's 1000m. Here’s a list of key events to keep an eye on today:

• 8:30 a.m. ET - Women’s hockey: Canada vs. Finland
• 10:40 a.m. ET - Men’s hockey: Canada vs. Czechia
• 2:15 p.m. ET - Short track women’s 500m quarterfinal (featuring Canada’s Courtney Sarault, Florence Brunelle, and Kim Boutin)
• 2:28 p.m. ET - Short track men’s 1000m quarterfinal (featuring Canada’s William Dandjinou and Félix Roussel)
• 3:10 p.m. ET - Men’s hockey: United States vs. Latvia

Medal events include:

• 5:30 a.m. ET - Women’s super giant slalom (Canada’s Cassidy Gray and Valérie Grenier competing)
• 6:15 a.m. ET - Men’s moguls (featuring Canadians Mikaël Kingsbury and Julien Viel)
• 7:00 a.m. ET - Cross-country women’s 10k freestyle (with Sonjaa Schmidt among competitors)
• 8:56 a.m. ET - Men’s snowboard cross
• 10:30 a.m. ET - Speed skating women’s 5000m (with Canada’s Isabelle Weidemann and Laura Hall)
• 12:30 p.m. ET - Luge mixed team relay
• 1:30 p.m. ET - Snowboard women’s halfpipe (featuring Canada’s Elizabeth Hosking)
• 3:31 p.m. ET - Short track women’s 500m
• 3:43 p.m. ET - Short track men’s 1000m

Where to Catch All the Olympic Action in Canada

For Canadian viewers eager to follow the Olympic excitement, CBC serves as the official broadcaster for the 2026 Winter Games. Fans can watch the events through their television providers or stream them for free via the CBC Gem app or the CBCGem.ca website.

An Overview of the 2026 Winter Olympics

The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are poised to be a historic event, showcasing not only athletic excellence but also the beauty of northern Italy. With a diverse range of sports from traditional favorites like hockey and figure skating to the debut of ski mountaineering, the Games promise to be thrilling.

This edition of the Winter Olympics is particularly significant due to its geographic spread across multiple towns, which presents unique logistical challenges and opportunities. Additionally, international tensions are expected to be a backdrop, particularly affecting the dynamics of competition.

As the world tunes in, it will be interesting to see how these factors play out and influence the performances of athletes.

Engage with the Olympic Community

The Olympics generate significant interest, and fans are encouraged to engage with the community surrounding the Games. Whether it's inquiries about the performance of Team Canada or insights into the atmosphere in Italy, The Globe’s Olympic team is ready to field questions from fans.

Those interested in understanding more about the Olympics, the athletes, or the events can reach out and share their questions. The journalists on the ground in Italy aim to provide timely responses, ensuring that fans remain connected to the unfolding drama of the Games.