According to Mikaela Shiffrin, her fiancé Aleksander disappeared after she accidentally turned him down.

Mikaela Shiffrin of Team USA has revealed that her relationship with fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde didn’t begin smoothly, admitting there was a time she believed he had ghosted her after what turned out to be a misunderstanding.

The couple, who announced their engagement in April 2024, have built a strong bond over the years, but their journey to that point included emotional hurdles, mixed signals, and timing that initially worked against them.

Shiffrin, now 30, explained that she and Kilde, 33, first connected through Instagram during the winter of 2020. Their early conversations came less than a year after the tragic passing of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, who died following an accident at the family home in Colorado.

At that stage in her life, Shiffrin said she was not emotionally ready to open herself up to a romantic relationship. The grief she was experiencing made the idea of love feel overwhelming and even risky. She described feeling completely closed off, explaining that she could not imagine putting herself in a position where she might have to endure the pain of losing someone again.

Despite her hesitation, Kilde continued to show interest in getting to know her. His persistence stood out to Shiffrin, who began to notice that her interactions with him felt different compared to others who had reached out. Even so, the timing and her emotional state created complications that delayed any real progression in their relationship.

A key moment in their early connection came after the two attended a dinner organized by one of their sponsors. It was there that Kilde made what Shiffrin later described as a final attempt to ask her out. He followed up by asking when they would have dinner together, clearly hoping to turn their interaction into something more personal.

Shiffrin, however, misunderstood his intention. Thinking he was referring to the event they had just attended, she responded jokingly by saying they had already had dinner. While she meant it as lighthearted humor, Kilde interpreted her reply as a rejection.

This miscommunication led to a period where the two drifted apart. From Shiffrin’s perspective, it seemed as though Kilde had suddenly stopped reaching out, which made her believe he had ghosted her. Over time, she formed the impression that he had lost interest, and she even convinced herself that he was not someone she should pursue.

Looking back, she admitted that her assumption was completely off the mark. In reality, Kilde had simply believed he had been turned down and chose not to push further. The misunderstanding created distance between them for a while, reinforcing Shiffrin’s decision at the time to avoid pursuing a relationship altogether.

She explained that during those years, she was firmly set on not exploring that path. Her emotional barriers remained high, and the idea of romance still felt incompatible with where she was mentally and emotionally.

Eventually, however, Kilde re-entered her life in a meaningful way. When he reached out again, his approach was different — marked by honesty, kindness, and a sense of patience that resonated deeply with her. By that point, although the “door” to a relationship had been nearly closed, he managed to connect with her in a way that felt safe and genuine.

Shiffrin emphasized how important that sense of safety was. She described it as something she typically only felt with close family members, making it especially significant that Kilde was able to provide that same level of comfort and trust.

As their relationship developed, his presence became increasingly meaningful in her life. She credited him with helping her grow emotionally, learn more about herself, and improve how she communicates with others. His support, she said, has been invaluable — even describing it as life-changing in certain ways.

Years after their initial miscommunication, the two have now built a strong partnership that led to their engagement. The announcement came in April 2024, marking a major milestone in their relationship.

However, despite their engagement, the couple has not rushed into wedding planning. With both athletes focused on their careers — particularly Shiffrin’s participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics — they have decided to postpone major decisions about their wedding until after the competition.

Shiffrin shared that they have had casual discussions about what kind of ceremony they might want. Both the idea of a large celebration with many guests and a more intimate gathering appeal to them, making it difficult to settle on a clear direction.

On one hand, they like the thought of hosting a big event that includes everyone who has played an important role in their lives. On the other hand, they also see the appeal of a smaller, more personal ceremony that would be simpler and less overwhelming.

She noted that their similar personalities and shared mindset might actually make decision-making more challenging, as they tend to agree on both sides of the argument without strongly favoring one option over the other.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 26: Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde attend the 2023 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 26, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

For now, those decisions are on hold as Shiffrin focuses on competition. She is set to compete in the women’s slalom event, which represents her final opportunity to secure a medal at the upcoming Olympics after missing out in earlier events such as the team combined and giant slalom.

The race is scheduled to take place early in the morning, and it will be a key moment in her campaign. Until that chapter is complete, wedding plans will remain secondary.

In the end, what began as a misunderstood exchange and a period of distance has evolved into a meaningful and supportive relationship. Shiffrin and Kilde’s story highlights how timing, persistence, and clear communication can ultimately transform even the most uncertain beginnings into something lasting.