Mikaela Shiffrin “gives me a lot of confidence” according to Aleksander Aamodt Kilde

The Norwegian speedster described how he can benefit from his girlfriend’s Olympic success: “It’s very, really wonderful to have that type of information around you, and we try to share experiences with each other. And that is incredible.”

Alpine skiing standout Alexander Aamodt Kilde says fiancée Mikaela Shiffrin’s guidance is boosting his confidence as he aims for his first Olympic medal in Beijing 2022.

Shiffrin, who made her connection with the Norwegian public last summer, is a two-time Olympic champion and might become the most decorated U.S. female skier at the Games, surpassing Julia Mancuso’s record of four medals.

“We chat about almost everything. And she gives me a lot of confidence because she has such a positive attitude, and I see how she handles various circumstances,” Kilde said.

“And it’s very great to have that type of information around you, and we try to share our experiences with one another. And that is incredible.”

The 2020 overall World Cup winner revealed what he can learn from Shiffrin:

“Just in general, how things feel, what experiences you have, and how you make decisions. All of the general aspects of skiing, with little technical detail.

“She gives me videos, I send her videos, and we try to learn a little from each other. “I have a lot to learn from her.”

Kilde: It’s so lovely to have Mikaela here.

For the first time since Torino 2006, alpine skiers will be able to experience an Olympic Village; previously, they slept in hotels.

However, that doesn’t mean Kilde and Shiffrin can truly spend time together as a normal couple:

“Everyone says, ‘Yeah, now you can spend so much time together and it’s great to have her,’ but it’s more difficult. “With Covid and restrictions, you have to be extremely cautious,” the Norwegian stated.

“It’s a bit of a tease, if you get what I mean. You can see her, but you can’t touch her or spend much time with her. But it’s great to have her here.

“We’re continuing with our usual schedule of face-timing and phone conversations. We strive to be careful since the implications of contracting Covid are very severe.”

“We can eat dinner together, no problem. “We really enjoy that.”

Kilde: Leading the Attacking Vikings in Beijing 2022.

Kilde’s season was cut short after a strong start last year due to an ACL injury sustained while training.

After a lengthy rehabilitation, the 29-year-old has returned to the World Cup stronger than ever, and he is having his greatest season to date, with six wins.

“It has been a long process. It’s been 13 months, and I can still feel my knee. But, you know, it’s been a journey,” he explained.

“It’s been a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work, and it’s been a grind at first where you can’t really do much other than the rigours of training, eating, sleeping, and ‘don’t do anything dumb,’ and try to be patient, stay calm, and do the right thing.

“And I know my skiing was good before I got injured, so I had a pretty high confidence coming back and knowing that if everything works with the knee, then I’ll be back with high speeds as soon as possible and it’s been working pretty well!”

Kilde has taken over as the head of the Attacking Vikings, as Aksel Lund Svindal has resigned and Kjetil Jansrud is nearing retirement.

He truly embraces his role.

“These are large shoes to fill. There have obviously been some spectacular results there, but I’ve become accustomed to being in the shadows and knowing that they will produce.

“But now tables have turned and I’m there now and I have to kind of do my job and I like to be in that position and I’m really going to enjoy this Olympics.”

When can you see Aleksander Aamodt Kilde compete in the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing?

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde will compete for medals in the men’s downhill on Sunday, February 6 at 11:00 Beijing time (19:00 PT on Saturday).

He will compete in the men’s super-G on Tuesday, February 8 at 11:00 local time (19:00 PT on Monday), as well as the men’s giant slalom on Sunday, February 13 (run 1 begins at 10:15, run 2 begins at 13:45 local time).