Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, the Norwegian alpine skiing star and fiancé of American legend Mikaela Shiffrin, has withdrawn from today’s classic downhill race on the famed Saslong piste, choosing a prudent path as he continues his remarkable recovery from a devastating 2024 injury.
Kilde, 33, competed earlier in the Val Gardena weekend, placing 42nd in Thursday’s sprint downhill and 27th in Friday’s super-G. But he decided against starting the full downhill, explaining via Instagram Stories that the move was about smart risk management rather than any physical setback.
“No downhill for me,” Kilde posted. “Coming back is also about choosing the right battles at the right time. I am feeling good, but with lack of time, with no long skis on my feet, I’m not willing to take the risk it takes to go down and attack Val Gardena today.”
The multiple World Cup speed winner elaborated to media: “Yesterday was a long day, and I’m not at a point where I want to take risks. Here in Val Gardena, you are completely dependent on working with the terrain; you really have to be prepared. I simply am not.”
Kilde’s caution stems from a horrific January 2024 crash at Wengen that caused severe calf and shoulder injuries, complicated by surgeries and an infection. His comeback began last month at Copper Mountain — 684 days post-crash — where Shiffrin watched emotionally as he finished his first race.
Instead of pushing limits, Kilde opted for extra training, highlighting his focus on sustainable progress. “Things are improving week by week,” he noted earlier. “I’m trying to use my time here to gain more racing experience and become more confident with every run.”
Shiffrin, dominating the technical events with four straight slalom wins this season (including her record-extending 105th World Cup victory in Courchevel last week), has been a pillar of support throughout Kilde’s recovery.
As the couple eyes the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, Kilde’s patient strategy underscores resilience in a demanding sport. Fans admire his transparency, eagerly awaiting his next full-speed assault.
