The Norwegian Aleksander Kilde is skipping the Olympic Games. He doesn't feel ready, the 33-year-old explains in an official statement.
"I've done everything I can, but my mind and body aren't working the way I need them to," Kilde said. The decision to withdraw was extremely difficult for him, he said. "At the same time, I'm proud that I was able to fight my way back and compete in the World Cup again."
The speed specialist suffered a serious injury in the downhill in Wengen in January 2024 when he lost control in the final S and crashed heavily into the safety nets. He only made his comeback this winter. Kilde slashed his lower leg and suffered a complex shoulder injury. He had to undergo knee and shoulder surgery, and blood poisoning further slowed his recovery.
So far, his comeback has not gone as he had hoped. Before withdrawing from the Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin's partner also missed the speed races in Wengen and Kitzbühel. He blamed back problems in each case.
Kilde now wants to concentrate on preparing for next season.