Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, the renowned skier from Norway and fiancé to fellow skiing star Mikaela Shiffrin, has encountered a significant hurdle that will unfortunately keep him off the slopes this season. An unexpected complication following a serious downhill accident has led to the discovery that his shoulder, still healing from the crash, now requires reconstructive surgery due to severe infection-related damage.
Kilde openly shared his medical journey on social media, providing an emotional glimpse into his struggles through hospital snapshots and injury scans. Despite the discouraging news, he remains unwavering in his resolve to conquer the challenges and return to the exhilarating world of ski competitions.
The devastating incident happened during a downhill race in Wengen, Switzerland, last January, leaving Kilde with a myriad of injuries including a dislocated shoulder and severely cut leg. Although he initially made steady progress in recovery, alarming discomfort in his shoulder reemerged weeks ago. Further investigation revealed a stubborn infection had ravaged the bone in his shoulder, prompting several complex surgeries both in Colorado and Europe.
The mental battle has been as strenuous as the physical, casting shadows of doubt over the full recovery of his shoulder’s functionality. However, an extensive course of antibiotics finally freed Kilde from the infection, though it necessitated the removal of metal hardware previously implanted.
Despite these adversities, Kilde remains steadfast in his ambition to return to competitive skiing and looks forward to supporting Shiffrin in her season opener in Soelden, Austria. His perseverance serves as a testament to the resilience embodied by athletes globally.
Source: Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s Injury Puts His Ski Season on Hold