'A legend': Moguls great Kingsbury gets high praise from Bilodeau as career comes to a close in Quebec

Mikaël Kingsbury has always credited those around him for his success. Now as his career winds down, it's his turn to receive some praise for his impact on freestyle skiing.

Before the Canadian championships, the 33-year-old from Deux-Montagnes, Que., paid tribute to many people while reflecting on his career. Near the top of that list was Alexandre Bilodeau.

At a time when he was just a rookie on the World Cup circuit, the "King of Moguls" tried to absorb everything he could by studying the sport's elite athletes. Already well established, Bilodeau was among them.

"I had a similar mindset," said Bilodeau, who won Olympic moguls gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. "You learn from the best by being around the best. I watched Jeremy Bloom and Janne Lahtela, and then you take bits from each of them that stand out to you, and that helps you find your own path."

Years later, it's clear the student has surpassed the teacher. Kingsbury, 33, will retire Saturday night with a resume that includes 100 World Cup wins, 29 Crystal Globes, nine world titles and five Olympic medals, including two gold.

"The question answers itself," said Bilodeau, a 19-time World Cup winner on the World Cup circuit, when asked what Kingsbury represents to freestyle skiing.

"Mikaël is a legend of our sport. He's broken every record. The person I got to know when he was younger and the human he's become, he's an amazing person that I have a lot of respect for."

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Bilodeau knows Kingsbury well, since their families owned cottages near each other in Saint-Sauveur, Que. Bilodeau's sister, Beatrice, is the same age as Kingsbury, and they skied together.

"I saw him grow up,"