Sölden, Austria – October 20, 2025 – In a significant blow to Norway’s dominant alpine skiing squad, rising star Alexander Steen Olsen has been forced to withdraw from the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season opener in Sölden, Austria, due to persistent knee issues. The 24-year-old, who stunned the world by leading a Norwegian podium sweep in last season’s giant slalom here, confirmed the news on Monday, leaving fans and teammates disappointed ahead of Sunday’s races.
Steen Olsen, affectionately known as “Sander,” struggled with jumper’s knee—a chronic overuse injury—throughout his summer training. Despite arriving in Sölden for final testing over the weekend, the skier reported no improvement. “My knee isn’t functioning properly, and I haven’t been able to ski much during preseason,” Steen Olsen told Norwegian broadcaster TV 2. “I’m heading home for further checks and treatment in consultation with the medical team. I’m neither capable nor prepared to race right now.”
The withdrawal marks a stark contrast to Steen Olsen’s breakout performance 12 months ago, when he claimed his maiden World Cup victory in Sölden, edging out teammates Henrik Kristoffersen and Atle Lie McGrath for a historic 1-2-3 finish. That triumph propelled him to multiple podiums last season, including a runner-up spot in Bansko, Bulgaria, and solidified his status as one of Norway’s brightest young talents. At just 23 years old at the time, his aggressive style and composure under pressure drew comparisons to alpine legends like Aksel Lund Svindal.
Norway’s alpine team, already a powerhouse with Olympic medalists like Kristoffersen and emerging stars such as Lie McGrath, will now rely on depth to defend their GS dominance. Four Norwegian debutants are set to make their World Cup marks in Sölden, including promising talents eager to fill the void left by Steen Olsen. “It’s tough losing Sander—he’s been a key part of our momentum,” said Norwegian team coach Joergen Sten. “But this group is resilient, and we’re focused on a strong start.”
The injury raises questions about Steen Olsen’s availability for the early-season schedule, including potential Olympic preparations for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. However, the skier remains optimistic about a quick recovery. “The plan is to get back on the snow soon and rejoin the team in Italy for Alta Badia,” he added, referencing the late-December races.
Sunday’s men’s giant slalom on the Rettenbach glacier (first run at 10:00 a.m. CET, second at 1:00 p.m. CET) will feature intense competition from defending overall champion Marco Odermatt of Switzerland, who crashed out in last year’s opener but rebounded to win nine of 10 GS races last season. Other contenders include France’s Alexis Pinturault and Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr, while women’s world champion Mikaela Shiffrin headlines the Saturday women’s event.
Fans can follow live coverage on FIS-Ski.com or national broadcasters. Steen Olsen’s setback underscores the physical toll of elite skiing, but his youth and track record suggest a strong comeback is on the horizon. As Norway eyes another Crystal Globe haul, the Sölden spotlight shifts to the next generation.
