Kilde is always prepared to scrap at the World Cup races in North…

Leksander Aamodt Kilde is the defending World Cup downhill and super-G champion. Kilde now aims to win the overall title in 2023. Previously, he won the title during the Covid-shortened 2020 season.

Kilde has admitted to SRM that he has a strong connection to America that extends beyond his friendship with fiancée Mikaela Shiffrin and his goals for the season.

Kilde had his first Lake Louise podium results last weekend, winning the downhill and finishing second in the super-G, just in time given that the races will not be on the program next year. Knowing he’s in excellent shape, Aleksander anticipates big things at Beaver Creek, where he won two of three races last season and has five podium finishes in his career.

I adore competing in America.

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Mikaela Shiffrin are a couple, which should be known to all American ski fans. Kilde formally acknowledged their relationship on Instagram in May 2021, writing, “If you know, you know…and now you know.”

Kilde’s relationship with America has a long history. He spent a lot of time in the US, and his brother even relocated here to study and compete for a period. “It’s a funny story.” Mikaela and I are both with Americans, and our brother is also with one. His wife is from Denver. We have family in Aspen as well. Before meeting Mikaela, Kilde had a long-standing connection to America.

Aleksander is familiar with both Norwegian and American cultures and understands their key contrasts. “There are significant distinctions between Norway and the United States. The United States offers a diverse range of cultures, lifestyles, and interpersonal interactions. Norwegians are often less pleasant and open than Americans. While we may appear grumpy, we are actually shy. Americans are pleasant and humble, and they enjoy making a small tale large – through marketing, presentation, narrative, and storytelling. They excel at it, which I admire.

“The ESPY Awards are an excellent illustration of this, as they build stars out of basketball and football players. They take good care of their sportsmen and help them become major stars in the US. “I enjoy observing how things are done and believe that we can learn from European and other cultures.”

Racing in North America.

In addition to the historic events, the White Circus will host a new block of American races this year: “It’s interesting to have more races here. As an athlete, I enjoy competitions in America.”

LAKE LOUISE,CANADA,22.NOV.22 – Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR). Photo: GEPA pictures

Lake Louise and Beaver Creek are always enjoyable occasions. Palisades Tahoe, like Aspen, is a gorgeous place.

“I enjoy competing in America due to the excellent snow conditions and favourable weather, resulting in successful races.” It’s sunny and boasts excellent ski resorts. I’m delighted about it and can’t wait. The downside is that we have to travel twice. We discuss the environment, costs, and the economy in ski federations, all of which are tough and must be addressed in the future. The US dollar is also extremely strong and has an impact. We want to compete in more races in America, but maybe we could have a single US trip, all American races at the end or beginning of the season, rather than flying twice back and forth.”

From Baerum to Innsbruck.

Born in 1992, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde values all of his names: “Aamodt is my mother’s surname, and I choose to use it (as many people in Norway do). She cares about it, which is vital to me.”

Kjetil André, another outstanding skier who replied to the name Aamodt, holds the medal record.

2012-03-03 – FIS Alpine Ski Junior World Championships, Men’s Super G. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR). Photo: GEPA pictures

“He was an incredible ski racer.” He and his father are both following me carefully. Of course, they enjoy ski racing and are pleased that we share a surname, despite the fact that we are not related. They keep texting me and congratulating me on my fantastic achievements. Kjetil was one of my inspirations, alongside Lasse Kjus and Kjetil Jansrud. They each gave me something. I could learn alongside them and, of course, from Aksel Lund Svindal.”

Kilde’s family is from Bærom, Viken County, located about 20 minutes from Oslo, Norway’s capital city. When he was a teenager, his family relocated to a different city. After years of playing football, Aleksander knew he wanted to try skiing. Kilde’s family, including his mother, father, and elder brother Andreas, play an important role in his job, assisting with management, marketing, communication, and more: “a family business which for now is working well.”

In 2012, the Bærum skier made his World Cup debut at Sölden GS. That season, he also won the overall and Super-G European Cup championships. Shortly after, he abandoned slalom in favour of shorter skis in alpine combined races, where he won multiple championships, including an Olympic silver medal in Beijing in 2022.

Keeping his GS competitive.

His World Cup triumphs have all been downhill and super-G. However, his greatest World Cup achievement in GS is fourth place, and it remains an important discipline for Kilde. “I haven’t skied GS as much as I did a few years ago because to an injury (in 2021). I want to compete in GS. Despite a few missteps, I felt comfortable in Sölden. I am trying again. If I want to win another large globe, I need to show some results in GS.”

With a hectic schedule loaded with training for many racing disciplines, particularly in the Alps, Kilde sought out a new location that was more convenient for accessing events. “I’ve been in Innsbruck, Austria, since December 2020, and I like it. It is one of my favourite locations to be. I also have nice pals that live there, and my situation is good. Base Five is where I conduct my best training and can finish my season as planned. “Good facilities, good people, and good location.”

Will Mikaela visit Kilde in Innsbruck?

When asked if Mikaela will visit him in Innsbruck, he wasn’t optimistic: “For me, being in Innsbruck is terrific, and of course, if she wants to join me when she has a break, that would be fantastic. Mikaela’s and my schedules are quite tight, so we’re not sure if Innsbruck is in our future. We must take it slow with the planning and see where we are going. It’s a subject for later!”

ALTENMARKT,AUSTRIA,06.OCT.22 – Atomic Media Day. Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR). Photo: GEPA pictures

Are you planning any training together this winter? “During the summer, it’s lot easier; we like training together. There are fewer opportunities in the winter, and while I am with my team, Mikaela is with her team as well. It’s still fantastic when we train at the same location; we can hang out in the afternoon and do things together.

A season of medals

“It’s time to think about winter. We had a wonderful summer and travelled to several locations, including Cabo, Maui, the United States, and Norway. However, the Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone in the United Kingdom was undoubtedly the highlight for me. It was such a fantastic and exciting event, and not just because it was Formula One. I was in good company with Mikaela, my brother, and his wife. We were treated like royalty and had exceptional service. Seeing the event live, I was blown away by the level of enthusiasm in this sport and the joy and excitement it offers to so many individuals on the circuit. We had a wonderful time together.

However, when training in Chile, he was able to train with Shiffrin for a few days, which was beneficial.

About his season’s goals: “Kitzbühel is undoubtedly a unique race. You go there with no expectation of winning; that is extremely difficult. It’s a terrific race with a lot of excitement. You have ridiculous course portions with 70,000 people watching. It’s one of the most fascinating and exciting World Cup races, and it’s always on our minds. Winning (the downhill for the first time in January) was incredible! My name is now on a gondola in Kitzbühel. I’d love to have another one, perhaps this winter.”

Pursuing a World Championship medal

Kilde’s schedule also includes the World Championships. He has never won a world championship medal. “Courchevel is going to be great, and the downhill will be enjoyable. Last year’s Finals were warm, which presented us with a difficulty. But this February will be fantastic; the snow will be good, and I enjoy the course. It has a good flow and several turns.

We’ll see if something on the hill changes, perhaps longer, wider twists. “We will find out soon.” Will Kilde be able to turn his double fourth place at the Finals into a valuable medal at Courchevel? We will see.

In the meantime, we can enjoy watching him compete in the World Cup.

About the author: Andrea Cappelletti.

Andrea is a well-known ski racing expert, having competed in the World Cup circuit for over 15 years. His wide experience includes working with event organisers, offering racing services, and engaging in sports marketing. Andrea, a seasoned journalist, has written for prominent ski magazines, worldwide websites, and broadcasters. His skills led him to join the NBC Sports team, where he has reported on seven World Championships, including Cortina 2021. Andrea’s passion for skiing began in his adolescence when he competed in races, and it has grown with time, fuelling his dedication to the sport.