The speed specialist announced this on Instagram on Wednesday. The 2020 overall World Cup winner sustained serious injuries in a fall in Wengen in January, and the one to his shoulder proved to be particularly long-lasting, not least because of a serious infection in the summer.
As the winner of 21 World Cup races, who lives temporarily in Innsbruck, has now announced, he will soon have to undergo further surgery on his shoulder. This is followed by several months of rehabilitation, during which he is not allowed to put any heavy strain on the joint and therefore cannot compete in any races next winter. However, Mikaela Shiffrin’s 32-year-old partner ruled out the end of his career and announced that he wanted to continue working on his comeback.
Fit again for the Olympics?
“The infection was there for so long that it attacked my bone,” Kilde explained in a video post on Instagram. “Two muscles are still not connected, so I have to do another operation and rebuild everything again. There will be no racing for me this season.” Kilde could be fit again next season in time for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina, this was the assessment made by the Norwegian team doctor Trond Floberghagen, according to an association release.
“But you will still see me here and there. I will definitely be at some races,” said Kilde directly to his fans. His fiancée Shiffrin, who is in Sölden, did not directly address her partner’s next operation during an online media event on Wednesday. But Shiffrin once again expressed her love for him. “He’s such a wonderful person to be around and he motivates me and inspires me and of course I love him,” said the American.
See you again in Sölden
In the coming season, the two will often be apart as Shiffrin travels halfway around the world with the World Cup. It’s not nice, “but I would say we have the most supportive relationship I can imagine. We can go through completely different experiences and still be able to support and help each other.”
So she’s not worried about her relationship. “So far it has been so effortless and easy to be together,” stressed Shiffrin and said that Kilde will already pay a visit to the World Cup opening in Sölden: “I think he will be here in Sölden this weekend. Probably I will “See him again tomorrow, which is wonderful.” The Norwegian association confirmed Kilde’s arrival.
Interview with Aleksander Kilde: Road to Recovery and Future Aspirations
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Aleksander. You’ve had quite a challenging year following your injuries. Can you share with us how you’re feeling about your upcoming surgery?
Aleksander Kilde: Thank you for having me. I won’t lie, it’s tough. The shoulder injury has been a long battle, especially with the infection that followed. But I feel a sense of relief knowing that I’m taking steps towards recovery. This upcoming surgery is another hurdle, but I’m focused on making it back stronger.
Interviewer: You mentioned in your Instagram video that two muscles in your shoulder are still not connected. How will this surgery help?
Aleksander Kilde: Yes, that’s right. The surgery will help reconnect those muscles and rebuild the structure of my shoulder. It’s not just about pain management; it’s really about ensuring that I can perform at my best when I return to racing. This is crucial for my long-term career.
Interviewer: Given your situation, it means you’ll be sitting out this season. How do you feel about missing out on the races, especially with the 2026 Olympics coming up?
Aleksander Kilde: It’s bittersweet. I love racing and competing, but my health is the priority. I’m determined to make a comeback in time for the Olympics. The team doctor is optimistic about my recovery, which gives me hope. However, I’ll find ways to support my teammates and be involved from the sidelines.
Interviewer: Your fiancée, Mikaela Shiffrin, has been very supportive. How do you both manage your relationship with the demands of your respective careers?
Aleksander Kilde: It’s definitely challenging with our schedules, but we have a strong foundation. We communicate openly and support each other, even when apart. It’s those little moments, like seeing each other at races, that keep us connected.
Interviewer: Speaking of that, you’re expected to be at the World Cup opening in Sölden. What are you looking forward to most about being there?
Aleksander Kilde: I’m excited to reconnect with the team and the fans. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to participate in that environment, so it will be really motivating to be around that energy, even just as a supporter for now.
Interviewer: Lastly, any message for your fans who are cheering you on during this recovery?
Aleksander Kilde: I just want to say thank you. Your support means the world to me. I will be back, and I’ll be leaning on that support to fuel my comeback. Stay tuned, and I’ll see you all soon!
R the Olympics in 2026. I have a great support system around me, including my fiancée Mikaela, and I’m committed to this journey. I will be at some races this season to support my teammates, and that gives me motivation to stay connected with the sport I love.
Interviewer: That’s a positive outlook! You’ve expressed your intention of visiting races during your rehabilitation. Can you tell us more about how you plan to stay involved while healing?
Aleksander Kilde: Absolutely. Even if I can’t compete, I want to be present at as many events as possible. It’s important to stay engaged with the team and the fans—there’s a lot of energy there. Watching from the sidelines is not the same as being on the course, but I can still support everyone and cheer them on.
Interviewer: Mikaela Shiffrin has expressed her admiration for you and your relationship. How do you navigate these demanding schedules and support each other through difficult times?
Aleksander Kilde: Mikaela and I are incredibly supportive of one another. Yes, our schedules can be hectic and we often have to spend time apart, but we share a bond that helps us through it. We understand each other’s commitments and know this is just a phase. We lean on each other for motivation and encouragement, which makes it easier to cope with everything.
Interviewer: do you have a message for your fans as you embark on this recovery journey?
Aleksander Kilde: I just want to thank everyone for their unwavering support. It means a lot to me. I promise to work hard during my rehabilitation and aim for a strong comeback. Your encouragement is a huge part of my motivation. See you soon!