Then the 25-year-old Canadian woke up Monday morning with jitters in his stomach. The kind that don't go away. Not even for a six-time world champion.
"I've never been nervous like that in my life," Kingsbury said, adding he put so much pressure on himself "it was crazy."
He found sanity and peace in a familiar spot: atop his skis atop a mountain looking down at a course he knew he could dominate like he has so many others during his long run atop his sport. One that doesn't appear ready to end anytime soon. Not with gold around Kingsbury's neck and the world at his feet.
Kingsbury stomped his way to the top of the podium in the men's finals on Monday night, posting a score of 86.63 during his final run, the best of any in the three elimination rounds. He let loose after crossing the finish line, pumping his fist wildly.