Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is nine months into his rehabilitation after a severe downhill crash in Wengen, and his partner Mikaela Shiffrin says the Norwegian is showing steady progress toward the start gate.
What happened?
In January, Kilde suffered a hard fall during the Wengen downhill, prompting immediate surgery on his leg. He woke up in the hospital with intense shoulder pain and fear that his leg might not be attached. Shiffrin, who was at his bedside, described the moment as terrifying and noted that Kilde later fainted several times during the first days after the operation.
How is the recovery progressing?
Nine months later, Kilde still experiences “good days and less good days,” according to Shiffrin. He has begun short training runs but still battles lingering pain, especially in his shoulder. The Norwegian’s confidence is rebuilding; Shiffrin says she’s proud of his determination and that she can already picture him at the start gate, “going full throttle again.”
Why does this matter for the alpine circuit?
Kilde is a five‑time overall World Cup champion and a perennial podium threat in downhill and super‑G. His absence has opened space for rivals, but his return could reshuffle the top‑tier rankings just as the new season kicks off in Sölden on 26 Oct. Teams are watching his rehab closely, aware that a full‑strength Kilde can influence the fight for the crystal globe in speed events.
What comes next?
Shiffrin expects Kilde to test his speed on a World Cup course before the season opener, likely in a low‑stakes downhill in early November. If his leg holds up, he could line up for the classic Wengen race in January, the very venue where the injury occurred. The Norwegian’s long‑term goal remains a return to full competition, aiming to add more victories to his already impressive tally.
How does this affect Shiffrin’s own plans?
While Kilde works on his comeback, Shiffrin is focusing on giant slalom in Sölden, where she has two wins. She has opted out of downhill this season after her own crash in Cortina, choosing to protect her health and concentrate on technical events. Shiffrin says Kilde’s experience has made her more mindful about risk, but she still feels ready to push limits when it counts.
What’s the broader impact?
Both athletes are high‑profile ambassadors for winter sports. Their joint story—Kilde’s gritty rehab and Shiffrin’s political engagement ahead of the US election—draws attention to skiing beyond the slopes. Fans are eager to see Kilde back in the gate, and his progress will be a key narrative throughout the 2024‑25 World Cup season.