Mikaela Shiffrin has opened up about the intense public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with fellow alpine skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, revealing that some fans have gone so far as to urge her to end her record-breaking career in favor of domestic life.
In a candid interview ahead of the World Cup season opener, the 30-year-old American star shared her bemusement at the unsolicited advice. “It’s amusing to see the assumptions people make about our relationship—some of them quite forceful,” Shiffrin said. “I don’t know if they say this to him, but plenty tell me it’s time to hang up the skis. ‘Just retire and go be with Aleks.’”
The comments come just days after Kilde confirmed the couple’s engagement, following his romantic glacier-top proposal last month. Shiffrin, who has dominated women’s alpine skiing with 97 World Cup wins and five overall titles, emphasized that such external pressure has no bearing on her competitive drive.
“Racing is part of who I am,” she told reporters. “Aleks and I support each other’s goals—we don’t compete with them.”
Kilde, speaking separately at the Birds of Prey downhill venue, echoed the sentiment. “We’ve both sacrificed too much to get here. Telling either of us to walk away? That’s not love—that’s projection.”
The couple’s high-profile partnership has drawn both admiration and criticism since going public in 2021. Shiffrin noted that while most feedback is positive, the vocal minority often fixates on traditional expectations. “It’s 2025,” she said with a laugh. “We can have love and start lists.”
Shiffrin begins her title defense in Levi, Finland, next weekend, where she’ll aim for a record-extending 98th victory. Kilde races downhill in Beaver Creek this Saturday.
Neither skier has announced a retirement timeline—only a wedding date, still under wraps.
