Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, are gearing up to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but they won’t be able to support each other in person.
The couple, both accomplished alpine skiers, will be racing on separate mountains in Italy, with the men’s events taking place in Bormio and the women’s events in Cortina, approximately six hours apart .
The Challenge of Competing Apart
Shiffrin, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Kilde, a record-breaking skier, are no strangers to adversity. They’ve faced significant injuries, including Shiffrin’s near-life-threatening abdominal injury in November and Kilde’s brutal crash in Switzerland in January 2024. Despite these challenges, they’re determined to compete at the 2026 Olympics .
Adapting to Long-Distance Support
The couple has learned to adapt to supporting each other from afar, often relying on phone calls and digital check-ins during competitions. Shiffrin notes that they’re used to being “like ships passing in the night,” focused on their respective events, but they make it a point to call each other .
Overcoming Injuries and Setbacks
Shiffrin’s journey back from her injury has been impressive, with her achieving a record-breaking 100th World Cup victory after a miraculous return to skiing. Kilde’s recovery from his crash has also been remarkable, with him sharing motivational messages and recounting the hardships of rehabilitation
A Testament to Resilience and Love
The couple’s story serves as an inspiration to athletes and couples everywhere, demonstrating the power of love, dedication, and perseverance. Despite the physical distance between them during the Olympics, their emotional connection remains strong, and they’ll undoubtedly be thinking of each other as they compete.
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