Norwegian Skier Kilde Withdraws From 2026 Olympics

Kilde continues recovery from devastating 2024 injury that caused nerve damage and torn shoulder ligaments.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Norwegian skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, 33, has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Olympics as he continues to work his way back from a serious injury he suffered on the course in 2024 that caused significant nerve damage in his right calf and two torn shoulder ligaments. Kilde, who is engaged to American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, said his 'mind and body are not performing the way I need them to' for the Olympics, though he is proud of his comeback to World Cup racing this season.

Why it matters

Kilde's withdrawal highlights the challenges elite athletes face in recovering from major injuries and the toll it can take, even for accomplished skiers like Kilde who have won Olympic gold medals. His decision also raises questions about the long-term impacts of such severe injuries on an athlete's career and ability to compete at the highest levels.

The details

Kilde's injury occurred in January 2024 while he was competing on the Lauberhorn slope in Switzerland, when he crashed into the netting on the side of the course during the last turn. He lay immobile on the snow until being airlifted to a local hospital. Kilde was in 'excruciating pain' for the first week as he lay in a hospital bed, and in the weeks ahead had to learn to walk again and underwent multiple shoulder surgeries. It took him 684 days to return to competition, finishing 24th in a race at Copper Mountain in Colorado in November 2025.

  • Kilde's injury occurred in January 2024.
  • Kilde returned to competition in November 2025, 684 days after his injury.
  • Kilde announced his withdrawal from the 2026 Olympics on February 3, 2026.

The players

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde

A 33-year-old Norwegian skier who has won two Olympic gold medals and is engaged to American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin.

Mikaela Shiffrin

An American alpine skier who is engaged to Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

Fabien Mazuir

Kilde's coach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have done everything I possibly could to be ready for the Olympics but my mind and body are not performing the way I need them to.”

— Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (usmagazine.com)

“Returning to the World Cup this season already means more to me than I could have imagined a year ago. Just making it back was a victory I'll always be proud of.”

— Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (Instagram)

“With the sudden jump in full-speed training, my body has needed more time than my mind would like. That's led to the back issues that kept me out of [the Kitzbuehel World Cup super-G] and made racing in Crans-Montana anything but easy.”

— Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Kilde plans to continue his rehabilitation and recovery with the goal of returning to competition for the 2027 World Cup season.

The takeaway

Kilde's withdrawal from the 2026 Olympics underscores the immense physical and mental challenges elite athletes face in recovering from severe injuries, even for accomplished skiers like Kilde who have reached the pinnacle of their sport. His decision highlights the importance of prioritizing long-term health and the need for patience and perseverance in the comeback process.