Lindsey Vonn's coach Aksel Lund Svindal praises Aleksander Kilde as Norwegian alpine skier returns to sport after navigating long injury-ridden period

Lindsey Vonn's coach Aksel Lund Svindal reacted to Aleksander Kilde making his return to the sport. Kilde met a dangerous injury on January 13, 2024, during the Wengen downhill, since which he hasn't competed in any race.

The skier suffered major shoulder injuries. During his recovery process, the Norwegian athlete also contracted sepsis – blood poisoning, which was diagnosed only after he reported pain in his shoulder during a training camp in the United States. He had to immediately undergo surgery to prevent the infection from spreading into his ligaments and bones. Kilde underwent surgeries in Austria in August 2024 and in February 2025.

However, despite the major setback and his absence from the sport for more than a year, Kilde has now fixed his sights on making his return to the slopes. He was recently seen gliding down the slope in the presence of Vonn's coach and Olympic champion Svindal. The former skier shared a glimpse of Kilde and wrote a heartfelt note:

"Great seeing @akilde up here ripping some good turns."

Kilde reshared the Instagram story.

Screenshot of Kilde's Instagram story.

Kilde is poised to make his return at the first downhill of the World Cup season in Beaver Creek, Colorado, on December 5, 2025. He will also make an effort to earn a spot for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. Vonn hired coach Svindal this year to help her make a remarkable return to the Olympic Games.

"Extra edge I need on this ambitious journey" - Lindsey Vonn on training under Aksel Lund Svindal for the upcoming Winter Olympics

Lindsey Vonn poses during the Team USA Media Summit. (Photo: Getty Images)

Lindsey Vonn opened up about training under coach Aksel Lund Svindal for the upcoming Winter Olympics, stating she trusts his advice and will give her extra support to have a remarkable comeback.

“Bringing Aksel onto my team for this season feels like a natural and incredibly exciting step,” said Vonn. “His knowledge of the sport—especially when it comes to equipment and race strategy—is unparalleled, and I've always valued his insights. To have him officially on my team as we push for the Cortina Games is a huge boost."

She added:

“This comeback is about pushing boundaries and proving what's possible, and I believe Aksel will help give me the extra edge I need on this ambitious journey.” (via olympics.com)

Svindal trained with Vonn for the major part of his career and announced his retirement with Vonn in 2019.

Edited by Janhavi Shinde