Mikaela Shiffrin’s fourth-place finish in the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup giant slalom opener in Sölden, Austria, on October 25, 2025, drew high praise from her fiancé, Norwegian alpine skiing star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who called her performance a “testament to her resilience” as she launched her 2025/26 Olympic season campaign. Shiffrin, the two-time Olympic champion, delivered a strong showing in her first competitive race since last season’s challenges, setting a confident tone for her path to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Kilde, a former overall World Cup champion and Olympic medalist himself, watched from the sidelines as Shiffrin navigated the Rettenbach glacier’s demanding course, finishing just 0.57 seconds off the podium behind winner Julia Scheib of Austria and American teammate Paula Moltzan, who claimed a surprise second place. “I’m so impressed with Mikaela,” Kilde told reporters post-race. “To come back after everything she went through last year – the crash, the recovery, the mental battle – and ski like that? It’s inspiring. She’s building something special for the Olympics.”
Shiffrin’s performance in Sölden marked a significant step in her recovery from a traumatic crash in Cortina d’Ampezzo last season, which left her with physical injuries and lingering PTSD-like symptoms. Her two runs in the giant slalom showcased the technical precision that has earned her 97 World Cup victories, though she admitted to feeling “not quite at the top yet.” Kilde, who has been a steady presence during her rehabilitation, highlighted her mental toughness. “She’s worked so hard in training, especially on GS, and to see her attack the course with that fire – it’s why she’s the best,” he said.
The couple, often dubbed alpine skiing’s power duo, share a unique bond, balancing their competitive careers with mutual support. Kilde, who is also eyeing a strong Olympic season after his own injury setbacks, emphasized their shared drive. “We push each other, but we also know when to lift each other up. Mikaela’s focus right now is unreal, and I’m excited to see where it takes her,” he noted, hinting at her carefully crafted schedule leading to Milano Cortina.
Shiffrin’s 2025/26 season plan prioritizes her strongest disciplines – slalom and giant slalom – with up to 16 technical races before the Olympics, starting with a slalom in Levi, Finland, on November 15, followed by Obergurgl, Austria, on November 23, and the Stifel Copper Cup at Copper Mountain, Colorado, on November 29-30. She may test her speed skills in a super-G at St. Moritz on December 14 but plans to focus primarily on technical events to peak for the Games, where she aims to compete in slalom, giant slalom, and the team combined in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Kilde’s admiration for Shiffrin’s Sölden performance resonates with fans and analysts alike, who see her fourth-place result as a promising launchpad. “She skied with purpose, not perfection, and that’s exactly what you want early in an Olympic season,” said NBC Sports commentator Steve Porino. Shiffrin herself echoed this sentiment, telling the Vail Daily, “Fourth isn’t a win, but it’s a huge step. I’m building toward something bigger, and I’m grateful for where I’m at.”
As Shiffrin continues her journey, Kilde’s vocal support underscores their shared commitment to excellence. With the alpine skiing world watching, the couple’s parallel quests for Olympic glory promise to captivate audiences through the season. Fans can catch Shiffrin’s upcoming races live on Peacock and NBC, with the full World Cup broadcast schedule available online. As Kilde put it, “Mikaela’s just getting started – the best is yet to come.”
