The Lauberhorn race in Wengen was thrown into chaos when Norwegian alpine ski racer and two-time World Cup champion, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, suffered a significant crash. Known for his domination in super-G and downhill events, Kilde’s accident turned heads and led to a temporary halt in the race.
Born on September 21, 1992, Kilde hails from Bærum and represents Lommedalens IL. He first made his mark in the skiing world with a junior world championship in giant slalom in 2013, and since his World Cup debut in 2012, has consistently excelled in his sport, including securing the 2019–20 World Cup overall title.
During the Lauberhorn race, Kilde, who had been grappling with illness throughout the week, lost control in the final section of the course, resulting in a spectacular crash into safety fences and an apparent injury to his right leg. He received immediate treatment on-site, with his leg secured before being airlifted to a hospital. The incident added a somber note to the competitive landscape of downhill skiing, coming soon after Frenchman Alexis Pinturault’s season-ending ACL tear in a Wengen super-G.
The crash was caught on camera and the footage of Kilde’s accident quickly went viral, sparking concern and support from fans and fellow athletes worldwide. The video shows the intense moment when Kilde lost control of his skis, leading to the collision. Despite the distressing nature of the footage, the focus remains on Kilde’s recovery and eventual return to competitive skiing.
The incident has led to an outpouring of well-wishes and encouragement from fans worldwide. The skiing community has rallied around Kilde, highlighting the tight-knit bonds within the sport and the admiration for his skills on the slopes. The anticipation for Kilde’s return to the slopes is widespread, despite the physical toll and risks involved in the sport.
In further details of the incident, Kilde had been contending with illness throughout the race weekend at Wengen. Despite this, he managed to secure third place in a shorter downhill on Thursday and repeated the feat in a super-G on Friday. The crash occurred during his third consecutive day of racing, where his unsteadiness on his skis led to the mid-air twist and crash. This resilience in competing despite illness adds another layer to the narrative surrounding his crash and subsequent health concerns.
With Kilde being a two-time champion in the World Cup downhill standings and the world’s top downhiller in the previous two seasons, fans and the skiing community are anxiously awaiting updates on his recovery. The hope is for a swift and complete recovery that allows Kilde to return to the slopes and continue his impressive skiing career. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in the sport and the physical toll it can take on even the most skilled athletes.
