As the alpine skiing world converges on Sölden for the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season opener, Mikaela Shiffrin is stealing the spotlight with both her skiing prowess and a heartfelt revelation about her partner, Norwegian skiing star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. The American icon, who has already cemented her legacy with a record-breaking 101 World Cup victories, opened up about their deep bond, saying, “I never knew Aleksander’s love ran so deep.” As she prepares for the women’s giant slalom (GS) on Saturday, October 25, Shiffrin’s emotional confession is fueling excitement for her return to the Rettenbach glacier.
Shiffrin, 30, and Kilde, 33, have been a couple since 2021, their relationship blossoming into a source of strength amidst the pressures of elite competition. In a recent interview, Shiffrin reflected on the moment she realized the depth of Kilde’s devotion, a pillar of support as she navigates the demands of her 15th World Cup season. “Aleksander’s love is like an anchor—it keeps me grounded no matter how tough things get,” she shared. Kilde, an Olympic medalist and former World Cup overall champion, reciprocated her sentiments, previously calling her “the woman of my life.” Their romance has captivated fans, with X buzzing with adoration. One user posted, “Mikaela and Aleksander’s love story is straight out of a fairy tale!”
The Sölden opener, featuring Shiffrin’s GS (first run at 9:45 a.m. CET, second at 1:00 p.m. CET) and Kilde’s men’s GS on Sunday, October 26 (first run at 10:00 a.m. CET, second at 1:00 p.m. CET), marks a pivotal moment. Shiffrin, who surpassed Ingemar Stenmark’s record with her 101st win in March 2025, is focused on building momentum toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Her recent X post, captioned “Gym Things…,” showcased her rigorous preparation, blending her signature work ethic with a radiant smile that has fans rallying. “Mikaela’s passion is contagious—she’s ready to dominate!” one X user wrote.
Kilde, meanwhile, steps into Sölden as a leader for Norway’s team, especially with teammate Alexander Steen Olsen sidelined by a knee injury. The couple’s shared journey, balancing love and competition, adds an emotional layer to their races, which will be broadcast live on Peacock, Eurosport, and FIS-Ski.com. Shiffrin’s mental health advocacy, inspired by personal challenges like the loss of her father in 2020 and a 2024 injury, further amplifies her influence. “Love and resilience go hand in hand,” she noted, tying her personal growth to her performance.
As Shiffrin faces rivals like Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami and Italy’s Federica Brignone, her emotional strength, bolstered by Kilde’s unwavering support, sets the stage for a thrilling season.
