Ready to conquer snow and controversy, "Mr. Thigh" Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is all set for the alpine speed contest in Val Gardena/Gröden. Despite the delay in the World Cup due to cancellations, the Norwegian is on top of his game, eagerly anticipating the downhill races in the Dolomites.
As a fan favorite, Kilde is already a force to be reckoned with in the Ski World Cup. With his massive power and skills, he is the top contender to grab the prize in each of the three events this week. The Dolomites' races hold a special place in Kilde's heart, an avenue that has yielded him five podium finishes, with the Saslong piste being an absolute delight.
Amidst the season's kickoff, internal strife and unexpected retirements have given the skier a new perspective. His teammate Lucas Braathen's dispute with the Norwegian federation and forthcoming retirement at a young age has drawn the spotlight on Kilde. The athlete's outspoken nature and vibrant personality are enjoyed by his fans, making him a favorite.
The seasoned racer has his sights set on changing the system that led to Braathen's departure. The Norwegian federation holds marketing rights to its highest-ranking athletes, which prevents skiers from showing private sponsors. Kilde believes that athletes need the freedom to craft their brand and maintain their social media presence.
The run-up to the Val Gardena/Gröden competition was marked by a throwback to his 2015 celebratory moment, when he bagged a super-G podium at Saslong. Sharing an Instagram post, Kilde gleefully reminisced about his past and his ascent to powerhouse status.
The 31-year-old isn't shy about expressing his love for his girlfriend Mikaela Shiffrin, an exceptional alpine skier herself. They started dating in 2021, after Shiffrin's father's untimely death. Kilde reportedly offered her constant support. Their bond grew stronger, leading to a romantic relationship that has added happiness to Kilde's life and boosted his sporting prowess.
With Shiffrin's support and the flawless Dolomites backdrop, Kilde trains for his big moment. The powerhouse will take on the challenging slopes of Val Gardena/Gröden with brutal force, aiming to cement his position as the speed dominator.
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Enrichment data: 1. Kilde's performances in the 2023/2024 season have remained consistent, with seven podium finishes in six seasons at Val Gardena. He has remained the perennial favorite on the Saslong course, having claimed five victories in both downhill and super-G over the past six seasons.
- Kilde's partnership with Hublot sponsorship has provided him with state-of-the-art timing equipment, enhancing his training and performance on the slopes. The company offers high-quality chronographs, ensuring precision while measuring his times.
- Kilde made his strong comeback in the World Cup competition, demonstrating his resilience alongside his impressive skills. His 2023/2024 season performance includes two podium finishes in the Dolomites at Val Gardena Gröden, showcasing his prowess in tackling challenging slopes.
- Despite enduring physical and mental setbacks, Kilde has consistently displayed remarkable resilience and performed exceptionally well. He bagged seven World Cup victories, two Olympic medals, and small globes in Super-G and downhill during the 2021-2022 season. His success continued in the 2022-2023 season, clinching six downhill wins and winning his first silver medals at the World Championships in Courchevel-Méribel.
- Challenges facing Kilde include maintaining his high performance level, acclimating to new conditions, and adapting to safety measures like the mandatory use of airbags from 2024/25 in downhill and super-G events.
Kilde's journey to snow domination is rooted in consistency, resilience, and an unwavering passion for Winter sports. He is ready to conquer the slopes at Val Gardena/Gröden, testing his skills and breaking records in the process.
