Norwegian alpine skiing star Aleksander Aamodt Kilde has faced a harrowing 18-month battle with injury and illness but is now eyeing a triumphant return to the World Cup circuit this season, with his sights set firmly on the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Kilde, who has not competed since a devastating crash during the Wengen downhill on January 13, 2024, opened up about the life-threatening ordeal that followed. What began as a shoulder injury from the high-speed crash spiraled into a severe health scare when he contracted sepsis, a potentially fatal blood infection, during his recovery.
Speaking to Norway’s VG last week, Kilde described the critical moment when he sought medical attention for persistent shoulder pain while at a training camp in the United States. “It was a matter of life and death regarding sepsis,” he revealed. “I thought the pain and discomfort were part of the process – but it turned out there was an infection in the shoulder, and it was spreading to the ligaments and bones. It started to get into the blood.”
The 33-year-old skier’s decision to consult doctors in Colorado proved lifesaving. “In the U.S., the doctors told me, ‘We won’t let you leave, you’re going under the knife, and it’s important that we do something now,’” Kilde recounted. The timely intervention prevented the infection from worsening, but his recovery journey was far from over. He underwent additional surgery in Austria in August 2024 to address lingering infection, followed by another procedure in February 2025.
Despite the setbacks, Kilde’s resilience and determination have shone through. The former World Cup overall champion, known for his fearless approach on the slopes, is now making steady progress in his rehabilitation. “My recovery is going well,” Kilde shared, expressing optimism about returning to competitive skiing. His immediate goal is to rejoin the World Cup circuit this season, a crucial step toward preparing for the Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina in 2026.
Kilde’s journey is a testament to his strength both on and off the slopes. As one of Norway’s most celebrated alpine skiers, with multiple World Cup victories and Olympic medals to his name, his comeback is eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow athletes alike. For now, Kilde remains focused on his recovery, driven by the dream of once again racing down the world’s most challenging courses—and potentially adding to his Olympic legacy.
Image credit: 2025 Getty Images
