“I thought you ghosted me”: Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé disclose the misunderstanding that caused their relationship to delay

Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé, Aleksander Kilde, recently discussed an embarrassing interaction that accidentally delayed the beginning of their relationship. The 101st World Cup winner revealed that the conversation occurred at one of Atomic Ski’s media days.

Shiffrin and Kilde announced their engagement in April 2024 via a joint Instagram post, marking a new chapter in their relationship after three years together.

An awkward conversation kept Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Kilde away for six years.

Shiffrin and Kilde told a funny story about one of their first contacts, a misunderstanding that prevented them from speaking for six years. On the first episode of her podcast, the American described feeling socially nervous during an Atomic Ski media day, sitting quietly as others spoke in German and Austrian accents she couldn’t understand.

Following a brief interaction earlier in the day, Kilde asked her, “So, when are we going to have dinner again?” in a joking attempt to ask her out.

But Shiffrin, unsure of his intention, said, “We already had dinner,” which Kilde misinterpreted as a harsh refusal. “I just said, ‘Rejected.'” Thrown in the trash soon away. She’s long gone. “It won’t happen,” he said, laughing.

On the other hand, the two-time Olympic winner believed she had been flirting. “The entire time, I believed I was flirting. “I thought you had ghosted me,” she said. The pair then quipped that their love was truly “a story of resilience.”

Shiffrin has begun her skiing season, admitting she isn’t totally prepared yet, but thrilled for what’s coming. Kilde plans to return to international racing after missing the Wengen downhill race in January 2024 due to a “terrible crash.”

Shiffrin Reacts to Team USA’s Impressive Start in the 2025-26 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup

Shiffrin expressed her satisfaction at Team USA’s strong start to the 2025-26 alpine skiing season, with six American competitors breaking into the top 20 of the women’s giant slalom opener in Sölden, Austria.

While the 30-year-old nearly missed out on the podium in fourth place, her compatriot Paula Moltzan took second position. Nina O’Brien, Katie Hensien, AJ Hurt, and Elisabeth Bocock also did exceptionally well, finishing sixth, 12th, 13th, and 19th, respectively.

Shiffrin, despite losing a medal, proudly praised the team’s victory on Instagram, writing, “Dream no more…we’re doing it now.” What a day for this crew! 🥹. @Paula Moltzan 👑, @nina_obrien, @katiehensien, @ajhurti, @elisabethbocock 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @ustechteam “For now, just be happy❤️.”

Julia Scheib of Austria thrilled the home supporters by finishing first in the event. This was her first World Cup victory, making it a very memorable achievement.

I Thought I Could Lose You: Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Open Up About Their Relationship, Admitting They Were…

For most fans, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde are the picture of strength, resilience, and unwavering affection—a power couple who have managed to balance fame, pressure, and love under the relentless spotlight of international skiing. But in a recent interview, both opened up about the fragile moments behind the scenes, the times when uncertainty crept in, and how they fought to preserve the love that has become one of the sport’s most heartwarming stories.

Their story is not just about romance; it’s about two athletes navigating the most demanding years of their careers while holding onto something profoundly human—the fear of losing the person who makes the journey worthwhile.

The Beginning of a Bond Built on Respect

Before they were a couple, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Kilde were just two athletes on different paths, united by a shared passion for skiing. They’d known each other for years, crossing paths at races and events, always with mutual admiration but never imagining their connection would evolve into something so meaningful.

“It started very simply,” Mikaela said. “We were friends for a long time. There was no rush, no big moment where everything changed—it just grew naturally.”

Aleks agreed, adding, “You can’t plan something like this. We both knew what it meant to dedicate your life to a sport, and that shared understanding made it easy to connect.”

Over time, friendship blossomed into something deeper. Their conversations became longer, their support for each other more personal. It wasn’t about fame or cameras—it was about finding someone who understood the struggle of chasing greatness.

When Fear Entered the Picture

While the couple has often shared laughter and joy publicly, both admitted that behind the smiles, there have been moments of real fear—especially during times of injury and recovery. Kilde’s devastating crash in January 2024 left him with multiple injuries and forced him to miss major events. For Mikaela, who has endured her own share of pain and loss, watching him go through it was almost unbearable.

“I thought I could lose you,” Mikaela confessed during a recent conversation. “Not just as my partner, but as a person I care about deeply. Seeing him lying there after that fall—it shook me in a way I can’t describe.”

Kilde recalled the same moment. “I remember her being there when I woke up,” he said. “I could see the fear in her eyes. That’s when I realized just how much we mean to each other.”

For both, that moment changed everything. It reminded them that their relationship wasn’t just about celebrating victories—it was also about being there when life delivers its hardest hits.

Balancing Love and Career

For two world-class skiers, maintaining a relationship is anything but simple. Their schedules often keep them on different continents, racing in separate disciplines and competing for titles that demand total focus. Yet, both have learned to navigate the distance with mutual understanding and communication.

“It’s not easy,” Mikaela admitted. “There are weeks when we don’t see each other, and sometimes all we have are quick calls between training sessions. But what keeps us going is the trust and the love we’ve built.”

Aleks added, “We both know how much the sport means to us, but we also know what we mean to each other. We celebrate every small moment we get together. Even if it’s just a few days at home or a shared dinner, those moments mean everything.”

They both agree that the relationship has given them balance—a reminder that there’s life beyond the medals and cameras. “When I’m with Mikaela,” Kilde said with a smile, “it’s like I can breathe again.”

Overcoming Pain Through Love

Both have faced personal heartbreaks that shaped who they are today. Mikaela’s life changed drastically after losing her father in 2020, a loss that she has described as the most painful experience of her life. Aleks, having dealt with serious injuries, has also faced his share of emotional challenges. But instead of allowing pain to divide them, they used it to grow closer.

“She understands pain,” Aleks said quietly. “And she understands how to turn it into strength. That’s something that inspires me every single day.”

For Mikaela, love has become a form of healing. “He helps me remember what’s good in life,” she explained. “Sometimes, it’s not about fixing everything—it’s about sitting together in silence and knowing that someone truly understands you.”

Their ability to find laughter amid struggle has been one of the strongest pillars of their bond. They tease each other often, share inside jokes, and find comfort in the simple joy of being together. “He makes me laugh more than anyone else,” Mikaela said, smiling. “Even when I’m having a rough day, he somehow finds a way to make me smile.”

Strength in Vulnerability

One of the most striking things about Shiffrin and Kilde’s relationship is how open they are about their vulnerabilities. In a world where athletes are often expected to appear invincible, they’ve chosen honesty over perfection.

“People see us on the podium and think everything is perfect,” Aleks said. “But real love means accepting the hard days too. It means talking about fear, exhaustion, and even doubt.”

Mikaela agreed, adding, “We don’t hide the tough parts. It’s important for us to be real—with ourselves and with each other. That’s what keeps our relationship strong.”

This honesty has also helped them connect more deeply with fans, many of whom find inspiration in their openness. Their willingness to talk about challenges makes them not just role models in sport, but in life.

Looking Toward the Future

As they look ahead to the 2025/26 season and the upcoming Winter Olympics, both know that challenges will come—but so will moments of joy. “We’re both focused on our goals,” Mikaela said, “but we’re also focused on each other. That’s what makes this relationship special—it’s not about who wins or loses. It’s about showing up for each other, no matter what.”

Aleks echoed that sentiment. “Our careers won’t last forever,” he said. “But what we’re building together—that’s for life.”

Despite the uncertainties of professional sport, the two remain deeply connected, grounded by shared values and an unshakable love. They’ve learned that true strength doesn’t come from never falling—it comes from getting back up, together.

Conclusion: A Love Defined by Resilience

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s relationship isn’t a fairy tale—it’s a story of real people facing real struggles, yet choosing love every single day. It’s about two athletes who found not just success but solace in one another’s presence.

“I thought I could lose you,” Mikaela said, recalling those dark days after Kilde’s crash. But instead of losing each other, they found new meaning in their connection.

Their love story reminds the world that even in the fast, unforgiving world of professional sport, the heart remains the most powerful force. And for Mikaela and Aleks, that’s the victory that truly matters.