Source with emotional words about his injury shock

Norwegian alpine skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde has confirmed his skiing season is over before it began after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon during training in Chile last week. The 34-year-old speed specialist underwent surgery for the injury and stated in an emotional social media post that he is devastated, angry, and frustrated. He described the situation as brutal and difficult to accept, noting that he requires time to process the setback. Kilde posted several photos from his hospital bed, including one with his fiancée, American ski star Mikaela Shiffrin. The incident occurred during a downhill training session in Chile. Speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Kilde recounted the moment of impact, describing how all the force landed on his ankle and Achilles tendon until he heard a distinct click. He immediately knew something had happened. Lying on the snow afterward, he felt pain and was primarily angry at himself because he had fallen again. This anger stemmed from his history of severe injuries. When he realized the severity of this specific tear, he questioned why it was happening again, calling the recurrence unfair given the many difficulties he faced in the previous year. After a few days passed, he said it became time to accept the reality of the situation. Kilde’s career has been marked by repeated setbacks. His most severe injury occurred in January 2024 during a downhill race in Wengen, Switzerland. That fall resulted in serious damage to his lower leg and shoulder, including a deep cut and nerve injury in his right calf muscle. Following nearly two years of recovery and rehabilitation issues, he returned to competition in November of the previous winter. Although he qualified for the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, he withdrew from the event. In the lead-up to the current season, Kilde noted that his focus had finally shifted from mere recovery to performance improvement. He reported feeling faster and more skilled, enjoying skiing more than he had in a long time. However, the new injury in Chile interrupted this progress. His mother, Kristin Kilde, learned of the accident while on vacation in Italy. She traveled immediately to be with her son. While relieved that the injury did not involve his knee, which would have posed a greater long-term threat, she described the news as heartbreaking. She expressed pride in how her son handles adversity, describing him as the coolest person she knows who shakes off setbacks, stands back up, and maintains a positive and hardworking attitude. Mikaela Shiffrin, 31, spoke about her partner’s condition during an interview ahead of the season opener in Sölden, Austria. She stated that while Kilde is physically okay, his heart is broken. She noted that receiving messages of support from teammates, competitors, and fans has provided him with significant strength. Kilde acknowledged these well-wishes in his statement, emphasizing that having a clear rehabilitation plan helps him cope. Unlike his previous injuries involving the shoulder or knee, this Achilles rupture allows him to strengthen his upper body while waiting for his lower leg to heal. The World Cup season begins this weekend in Sölden. Kilde will not participate due to his injury. He has not ruled out returning to World Cup racing in the future but admitted he has thought about the question and currently cannot answer it definitively. He prefers not to dwell on that decision right now. Instead, his immediate goal is to get back on skis by the end of the winter. Kilde is considered one of the best specialists in fast disciplines, holding 21 World Cup victories, all in downhill and super-G events. The new season features three Slovenian skiers competing in Sölden. Neja Dvornik will compete in the women's slalom on Saturday, while Zan Kranjec and Miha Oserban are scheduled to start in men's events on Sunday. Kilde’s absence leaves a gap in the top tier of downhill competitors for the opening rounds of the circuit. His medical team is focused on ensuring a full recovery according to the established protocol. The skier continues to rest in the hospital, supported by family and partners, as he navigates the initial phase of his rehabilitation.