Mikaela Shiffrin and her fiancé anticipate competing in the 2026 Olympics, but they are unable to provide in-person support for one another (exclusive)

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the two-time Olympic gold medallist talks candidly about her long-distance relationship with fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.

Even after suffering a potentially fatal injury in November of last year, Mikaela Shiffrin hopes to return to the podium in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

In a recent interview, the record-breaking skier tells PEOPLE that Shiffrin, 30, will have to accomplish this without the help of her fiancé, Alexander Aamodt Kilde.

According to the two-time Olympic gold medallist, the men’s and women’s ski competitions in the 2026 Winter Games would take place on two different slopes that are around six hours apart.

Looking ahead to 2026, Shriffrin states, “It’s likely that we won’t see each other during the Olympics.”

Regarding the venues, Shiffrin states, “The men will be racing in Bormio, which is roughly five or six hours away by car from Cortina [Italy].”

However, Shiffrin claims that the pair is accustomed to supporting one another virtually during contests, particularly the Olympics.

The American skier remarks, “I believe that when we’re there, we’re in the middle of it, and it’s busy and you’re focused.” “We give each other a call. Being like ships passing in the night is something we’re accustomed to.

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.
Mikaela Shiffrin/Instagram

Shiffrin miraculously returned to skiing less than three months after suffering an abdominal puncture in a fall at a competition in Vermont in November, and she went on to win her record-breaking 100th World Cup skiing event earlier this year.

Following their red carpet debut at the 2021 ESPY Awards, the couple first made their relationship public by announcing their engagement in April 2024.

Citing Kilde’s “brutal” collision in Switzerland during a competition in January 2024, Shiffrin tells PEOPLE that their recent injuries have made this season difficult and that they have been in a kind of “survival mode.”

Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde.
Frazer Harrison/Getty

“He makes long distance so manageable, even though it’s really hard,” Shiffrin says. To put it succinctly, “[we’re] crossing our fingers that he can make it [to the 2026 Olympics], and then everything falls into place and makes sense, allowing us to both compete.” Watching him return to the starting gate of a race and then the Olympics would make me very happy.

Mikaela Shiffrin Boyfriend, Instagram & Private Life

Facts You Should Know About Mikaela Shiffrin

Mikaela Shiffrin is on track to become the greatest skier of all time. Who is Mikaela Shiffrin? Her record collection is already significant, and she was successful at the Winter Olympics in 2022. But it was worth keeping a watch on Mikaela Shiffrin at the Olympics because she has been a successful skier for many years. We looked into Mikaela Shiffrin’s personal facts.

Mikaela Shiffrin, a skier, strives for superlatives and consistently breaks records. Here are her accomplishments so far:

In 2019, she broke the record of Swedish icon Ingemar Stenmark in terms of slalom races won. Stenmark had 40; Shiffrin now has 46 (as of 12/2021). In 2014, she became the youngest male or female athlete to win Olympic gold in Sochi. At the end of 2018, she became the first skier to win races in all six World Cup disciplines. In 2019, she won the slalom World Cup for the fourth time in a row, a feat no one else had accomplished. That same year, she won 17 World Cups in a single season, breaking the previous record of 14 held by Vreni Schneider. Shiffrin made history this year at the World Championships in Cortina by winning at least one gold medal in five consecutive World Championships. Shiffrin is on track to surpass Lindsey Vonn, who now holds the record for the most World Cup wins. Overall, she has two Olympic gold medals and seven gold medals from alpine world cups.

Mikaela Shiffrin at 100: A Victory Beyond the Slopes

A Historic Moment

When Mikaela Shiffrin crossed the finish line for her 100th World Cup victory, the skiing world erupted in celebration. Crowds cheered, fellow athletes embraced her, and headlines flashed across the globe. It was a milestone only a few could ever dream of, and Mikaela made it look almost effortless. But behind the gold medals, trophies, and flashing cameras, Shiffrin used this moment not just to celebrate her win, but to remind everyone of something deeper: that health, happiness, and life beyond sport matter just as much as the records.

More Than Just Numbers

For years, Shiffrin has been the face of alpine skiing dominance. From her teenage breakthrough to becoming one of the greatest athletes of her generation, the numbers are staggering: Olympic golds, multiple world titles, and now the magical 100th World Cup victory. But when she spoke after this triumph, her words didn’t focus on numbers or statistics. Instead, she highlighted her journey, her struggles, and her gratitude.

She reminded her fans that skiing is a passion, but it is not the entirety of life. Achievements in sport are incredible, but so are the moments of balance, health, and happiness that happen away from the slope.

The Weight of Expectations

Shiffrin has often been open about the pressure she faces. Being labeled the “GOAT” of alpine skiing comes with its own heavy expectations. Every race she enters is watched closely, every result dissected. Yet, instead of letting that weight crush her spirit, Mikaela has found ways to carry it with grace.

She has learned to slow down and listen to herself. She has shared openly about the importance of mental health, something that resonates with athletes and non-athletes alike. Her message is simple but powerful: winning is wonderful, but it should never come at the cost of well-being.

A Journey Through Loss and Healing

Fans of Shiffrin know that her path has not been without heartbreak. The sudden passing of her father, Jeff Shiffrin, in 2020 was a devastating moment in her life. She has spoken about the grief and how it shook her world far more deeply than any race ever could.

That experience gave her perspective. Racing, training, and winning suddenly seemed smaller compared to the love and loss of family. It taught her that while victory is sweet, what truly sustains us are the people we hold close and the joy we find in everyday moments.

Her openness about grief and recovery has made her victories since then feel even more meaningful. Each medal and milestone carries a reminder of her father’s influence and a reflection of her resilience.

The Human Side of a Champion

One of the reasons fans connect so deeply with Shiffrin is because she doesn’t hide behind the shine of her achievements. She shows her human side—the nerves before a big race, the exhaustion after a long season, the laughter with teammates, and even the tears of struggle.

When she speaks about her 100th win, she doesn’t just describe a perfect run down the slope. She talks about the years of practice, the setbacks, the injuries, and the doubts. She acknowledges that even the greatest athletes face hard days, and that’s what makes their triumphs so inspiring.

Inspiring a New Generation

Beyond her medals, Mikaela’s greatest legacy may be the example she sets for young athletes around the world. She shows them that it’s okay to dream big, but it’s also okay to rest. That you can chase greatness, but you must also care for yourself along the way.

Her story reminds young skiers, and even people far outside the world of sport, that life isn’t about endless winning. It’s about finding joy, being present, and staying grounded in what truly matters.

Love and Support

A big part of Shiffrin’s strength comes from the people around her. Her relationship with fellow skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde has been a source of encouragement and joy. Kilde often calls her the “GOAT,” not just for her skiing, but for the person she is off the slope. Their bond shows the importance of love and support in navigating the demands of elite competition.

Her family, too, continues to be her anchor. She often credits her mom, Eileen, for being her rock throughout her career. It is this circle of love that helps her balance the highs and lows of sport.

Looking Ahead

After 100 wins, many would ask: what’s next? For Shiffrin, the answer isn’t just about chasing more medals or breaking more records. It’s about staying healthy, enjoying the sport she loves, and appreciating each day as it comes.

She has already secured her place among the greatest athletes in history, but her focus remains humble. She doesn’t chase records for the sake of glory. Instead, she races because she loves skiing, and she continues because it brings her fulfillment.

A Lesson for Us All

Mikaela Shiffrin’s 100th victory is more than a sports headline. It’s a story about resilience, perspective, and priorities. It’s a reminder that success is not just about standing on podiums—it’s about how you carry yourself in life, how you care for your heart, and how you find joy beyond your work.

Her words after this historic win echo far beyond the ski slopes. They reach anyone striving for their goals, anyone dealing with pressure, and anyone trying to balance ambition with happiness.

Closing Thoughts

As the snow settled on that unforgettable day, Mikaela Shiffrin stood with another gold to her name, but what truly shined was her wisdom. She showed us that even in the pursuit of greatness, it is possible to remain grounded, human, and grateful.

Her 100th World Cup win will go down in history, but the message she shared may last even longer. Beyond the medals, Mikaela Shiffrin teaches us that health and happiness are the greatest victories of all.