‘They’re incredible’ – Alesksander Aamodt Kilde on the young generation of skiers, his future and the old guard

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde has hailed the next generation of Norwegian skiers, saying that they are “incredible”.

Kilde, the reigning downhill and super-g World Cup globe winner, already has four wins to his name this season, including Friday’s super-g at Wengen.

Speaking to Eurosport earlier in the week ahead of that race at Wengen, Kilde was effusive in his praise of the young Norwegians who have been shining this season. Lucas Braathen and Atle Lie McGrath went one and two in the slalom last week.

“Yeah, I love them, too.” Kilde said of them.

“They’re incredible. Not just as skiers but also as humans. They’re bringing something to the sport we rarely have seen. Is this generation set that we talk about, like they are grown up humans when they’re only 22 years old. And we rarely see that. And they have such a confidence that brings them to the level they have already.

“The way they executed and delivered in Adelboden last week was just incredible. And also the way they celebrate and the way they have interviews, they’re just, you know, they’re one of a kind and that’s just, we’re super lucky that they are Norwegian and we can have them for many more years.”

Kilde turned 30 in September, placing him directly between those younger stars and some of the more experienced heads on the tour. Kilde finds it amusing.

“I think I’m a good mix in between. For sure, I’m leaning more towards Aksel and Kjetil time because I have to spend more time with them than the younger boys. But I do also look at the younger boys and think that I will learn some from them too.

“Then that’s the mix between how I see myself is that I have a lot of knowledge, I have a lot of experience now, and with that I can just keep on going and try to give them something and they can give me something. And then I think in the end it’s going to be a cool story.”

What about the old guard? Matthias Mayer and Beat Feuz have both announced their retirement, with Feuz retiring after Kitzbuhel.

“You know, they’re incredible skiers. All of them,” says Kilde.

“People retiring, that’s a part of the game. But it’s also really kind of sad because you will miss their intensity into the sport and the way they have the image of the sport and the way how Feuz skis, for instance, as a cat, just incredible. I’m going to miss that.

“Also Mayer’s intensity, actually, you know, in the Olympics and the way he skis and the risks he takes. And also, Clarey, one of the oldest guys on tour, always super nice, humble and one of the best gliders out there. And we are going to miss him but we also know that it’s a lot of risk in this sport.

“In the end, you will say to yourself, I’m happy with what I’ve done. Now, it’s time for me to move on. And I really respect that and understand it. But also it hurts the hearts for the downhill when three great ones quit.”

What about Kilde’s future? He says that he can’t seem going as long as Clarey, and he thinks that 2026 in Milan-Cortina will be his final Olympics.

“Well, you never know for sure. And if I feel like I want to continue until I’m 42, I will. But, if I look at it right now, I don’t think so.

“Especially with the program I do right now, also skiing GS, and being sort of competitive to win all the races in downhill and Super G, it’s going to be a little too much to continue for another 11 years.

“That’s [2026] probably going to be my last Olympics if I’m not, I don’t know. It’s hard to say, but probably. It’s a good kind of end to the career and maybe take another year after.

“But I’m really excited to have it back in Europe again. We are skiing in Bormio. So I know the hill and I think I’ve heard rumours about it being a little bit different in February.

“So yeah, I am really looking forward to it. And actually, because it’s closer to home, you can have family there, you can have friends coming down. It’s going to be a little bit different story than it has been in the last three Olympics.”

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