Norwegian alpine skiing star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, fiancé of American legend Mikaela Shiffrin, has suffered a fresh setback just as he builds momentum toward the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Kilde, who has battled back from a life-threatening crash in Wengen, Switzerland, in January 2024—including severe shoulder damage, leg lacerations, multiple surgeries, and a bout of sepsis—made an emotional comeback earlier this season at the Super-G in Copper Mountain on November 27, 2025, finishing 24th. He followed up with a 36th-place result in Livigno, Italy, earning crucial FIS points.
However, ahead of the prestigious Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria—scheduled for January 24, 2026—Kilde announced he will not compete due to back pain that flared up after Sunday’s training session.
“Quick update from Kitzbühel. After Sunday’s training, back pain has slowed things down a bit and kept me from skiing since Monday. This means no downhill for me. The team and I keep fighting and take it day by day. Keep you posted,” Kilde shared in a statement.
Norwegian team officials confirmed the issue stems from an “overload” during training, with medical checks ruling out serious injury. Head coach Michael Rottensteiner noted Kilde will remain in Kitzbühel for rehabilitation, approaching recovery “day by day.” While the downhill is off the table, there is cautious optimism he could return for the Super-G later in the week, though details remain uncertain.
The 33-year-old speed specialist, a former Downhill Crystal Globe winner and two-time Olympic medalist (silver and bronze in Beijing 2022), has been cautious in his return, prioritizing full fitness over rushing events. This latest hurdle comes as he eyes qualification for Milan 2026, where Shiffrin—fresh off her record-extending World Cup wins and a strong recovery from her own 2024 crash in Killington—is expected to contend for multiple medals.
The couple, who announced their engagement in 2024 after dating since reconnecting in 2021, have been each other’s biggest supporters through injuries. Shiffrin was famously in the finish area for Kilde’s emotional Copper Mountain return, calling it “the greatest victory for all of us.”
Kilde’s resilience has inspired fans worldwide, but this back issue underscores the ongoing challenges of his comeback. With the Olympics just weeks away (starting February 6, 2026), both athletes remain focused on peaking at the right time.
Stay tuned for updates as Kilde continues his day-by-day recovery in Kitzbühel. The skiing world rallies behind one of its toughest competitors—here’s to a swift return to the Streif and beyond. ⛷️💪
