In the high-stakes world of alpine skiing, where speeds exceed 80 mph and a single miscalculation can end a career, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Mikaela Shiffrin have not only conquered the slopes but also each other’s hearts. The Norwegian downhill specialist and American slalom queen, engaged since 2023, have become synonymous with excellence on the mountain. But off the snow, their relationship stands as a testament to mutual support amid adversity, as Kilde poignantly reflected in a recent interview: “We have been a rock for each other.”
Kilde, 33, opened up about the depth of their connection during an exclusive chat with Olympics.com at the Atomic Media Day in October. The conversation, which delved into his grueling recovery from a life-altering crash, highlighted how Shiffrin’s presence was the unwavering constant through his darkest hours. “I think that’s how we go about stuff in general,” Kilde said. “We’re always supporting each other, we’re always trying to look at things in a positive way.”
The couple’s story took a dramatic turn on January 13, 2024, during the storied downhill race in Wengen, Switzerland. Kilde, then at the peak of his form after clinching the 2022-23 World Cup overall title, suffered a catastrophic fall. Crashing at over 100 km/h, he sustained severe injuries including a broken right leg, torn ACL, and multiple fractures. The incident forced him to the sidelines for nearly a year, a period marked not just by physical rehabilitation but by emotional turmoil, including a surgical infection that complicated his return.
Through it all, Shiffrin—herself no stranger to the sport’s brutal demands—emerged as Kilde’s anchor. The two-time Olympic gold medalist (2014 Sochi super combined, 2018 PyeongChang giant slalom) and five-time World Cup overall champion paused her own season to stand by his side, offering a blend of empathy born from her experiences with loss and pressure. Shiffrin lost her father, Jeff, to a cycling accident in 2020, an event that tested her resilience and deepened her appreciation for partnership.
“We can talk about all the experiences we have now, with challenges and resilience and trying to stay positive in the process, and also [be] realistic in what to focus on and what is actually important,” Kilde shared. He credited gratitude as his guiding light during recovery, a mindset reinforced by Shiffrin’s encouragement. “Gratitude motivated me through the darkest moments,” he added, emphasizing how their shared worldview—rooted in optimism and realism—has strengthened their bond.
Their partnership extends beyond personal trials to professional synergy. Since going public with their romance in 2021, Kilde and Shiffrin have trained together, traveled the World Cup circuit as a unit, and celebrated mutual milestones. Kilde’s 2023 overall title was a career highlight, while Shiffrin continues to chase records, holding the women’s all-time World Cup win tally at 97 as of the 2025 season opener. Off the piste, they’ve advocated for mental health in sports, using platforms like social media to share glimpses of their life in Vail, Colorado—hiking, reading, and dreaming of future Olympics.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games approach, both athletes eye podiums with renewed vigor. Kilde, back on snow and posting competitive times, aims to defend his downhill prowess, while Shiffrin targets a third Olympic medal. Yet, for Kilde, success is amplified by the one who stands beside him. “She’s not just my fiancée; she’s my teammate in every sense,” he said.
In a sport that demands solitude at full throttle, Kilde and Shiffrin’s story reminds us that the greatest victories often happen in tandem. As they prepare for the season ahead, their message is clear: In the face of falls—literal or figurative—true strength lies in being each other’s rock.
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