Aleksander Aamodt Kilde looks to his future. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

The big Kilde question mark: “It’s still too early”

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is gradually returning to his sporting routine. However, the Norwegian star is still somewhat uncertain about his return to the big stage.

June 15, 2025

From: never

Almost exactly 17 months ago, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde suffered a serious crash in the Wengen downhill, injuring his calf and shoulder. The injuries required multiple surgeries, partly due to a subsequent shoulder infection. Since then, the Norwegian hasn't competed in a single race, and the 2019/20 overall World Cup winner missed the entire World Championship season. Kilde was already skiing last December – but the jump to the big stage is still a long way off.

After all, the 32-year-old is now preparing for the 2025/26 Olympic season, although there are still some question marks. "It's still early to say anything. I'm training anyway. The operation was 15 weeks ago and actually went well," he explained in a recent interview with SRF"The shoulder isn't functioning as well, but that's actually as planned. The next steps are to get full function back."

Comeback? Kilde remains optimistic

But the 21-time World Cup winner can't rush into anything these days. "I still need a little time, though. My shoulder is the main issue; my calf and foot are already in good shape. While that's the most important thing for skiing, I'm not at XNUMX percent in terms of balance yet," he explained. Optimism prevails, in any case. "I feel good; my body is functioning and responds to everything I do," Kilde said. "I'm still positive that I can make a comeback."

"The World Cup counts for the time being; if it works out there, the Olympics would be a bonus. Of course, I'd love to be there in Bormio. But that's still a long way off." Aleksander Aamodt Kilde

Kilde and his team have drawn up a schedule for the coming months, but this was only possible "at most 70 percent." In other words, Kilde needs to be physically prepared for all eventualities and be able to react accordingly. In August, Kilde wants to shine on the slopes again, ideally making the trip to Chile. The World Cup opener in Sölden may still come too soon for him; his big goal remains the Olympic Games. "It's important for me to take it one step at a time. The World Cup counts, and if it works out there, the Olympics would be a bonus. Of course, I'd love to be in Bormio. But that's still a long way off."