Mikaela Shiffrin Pens Heartfelt Birthday Tribute to Fiance Aleksander Kilde, Celebrates His Recovery Journey
September 2024 – Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin took to social media to share a heartfelt note celebrating her fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s 32nd birthday, highlighting both his personal strength and their journey together through his recent recovery.
The post, filled with emotion, comes after Shiffrin spent months by Kilde’s side as he recovered from a significant injury sustained during the 2023/24 Alpine Skiing World Cup season. Kilde, one of Norway’s top alpine skiers and the reigning downhill World Cup champion, faced a grueling road to recovery after suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for the latter part of the season.
In her message, Shiffrin, who is also one of the sport’s greatest athletes, opened up about how proud she was of her partner’s resilience, not just in his physical recovery but in his positive outlook throughout the difficult process.
“To My Greatest Inspiration”
“Happy birthday to my best friend, my love, and the strongest person I know. Aleks, watching you navigate this past year with such grace, strength, and determination has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life,” Shiffrin wrote in the heartfelt note posted on Instagram. “You never gave up, even when things got tough, and your positivity through it all never wavered. I am so incredibly proud of you—not just for your achievements on the slopes, but for how you carry yourself through the challenges off of them.”
Shiffrin’s words resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom have followed the couple’s journey, both professionally and personally, over the years. The skiing power couple have become icons not only for their individual accomplishments but for their unwavering support of each other in times of triumph and adversity.
Celebrating Love and Resilience
Kilde, who has also been open about his struggles with injury and the challenges of returning to top form, has spoken publicly about how Shiffrin has been his rock throughout his recovery. The pair, often seen training together or attending events in support of one another, have become the embodiment of resilience and perseverance.
“Having Mikaela by my side made all the difference,” Kilde recently said in an interview. “Her support and belief in me, even when I wasn’t sure I could get back to competing, gave me the strength to keep pushing forward.”
Shiffrin’s post continued with a nod to the couple’s shared future, with the skier expressing her excitement for what lies ahead as they both prepare for their return to full competition. “Here’s to many more adventures, laughter, and love. I’m so lucky to share this journey with you. Happy birthday, Aleks, and cheers to what’s next!”
A Power Couple in Skiing
Both Shiffrin and Kilde have dominated the alpine skiing world, each earning their place among the sport’s elite. While Shiffrin is widely regarded as one of the greatest female skiers of all time, with multiple Olympic gold medals and World Cup titles to her name, Kilde has been equally successful, winning the 2020 and 2022 World Cup overall titles and cementing himself as a force in the downhill and super-G disciplines.
Despite their demanding schedules, the couple often find time to train together, travel, and support each other at competitions around the world. Their relationship has become a cornerstone of their public personas, with fans and fellow athletes alike admiring their shared commitment to each other and to their sport.
Looking Ahead
As Kilde continues his recovery and gears up for the next World Cup season, Shiffrin is also preparing for a challenging year ahead. Both athletes have expressed their determination to come back stronger than ever, with their eyes set on the 2025 World Championships and future Olympic Games.
In the meantime, Shiffrin’s birthday message to Kilde stands as a testament to the deep bond they share, both on and off the slopes. Fans around the world joined in wishing Kilde a happy birthday, while celebrating the enduring love story between two of the sport’s brightest stars.
