‘Missing by a millimetre!’ – Aleksander Aamodt Kilde with ‘escape of his career’ to avoid crash at Kitzbuhel downhill

Aleksander Aamodt Kilde narrowly averted disaster as he produced a jaw-dropping save at the men’s downhill in Kitzbuhel.

The decorated 30-year-old Norwegian didn’t seem in total control as he accelerated down the hill approaching the finish, with his turning ski bobbling on the traverse.

What followed was a heart-in-mouth moment as, limbs flailing, Kilde looked destined to crash straight into the nets at high speed.

However, he was able to pull off a stunning recovery, miraculously avoiding the nets and staying upright.

“Missing the fencing by a millimetre!” screamed Nick Fellows on Eurosport commentary. “How’s he got away with that one?”

Despite the recovery, Kilde could only manage a time of 1:57.13 which was only good enough for sixth place at the time.

“So close to a huge spill, but just about got away with it,” Fellows added as everyone caught their breath in the aftermath.

“Millimetres! I have never seen anyone goes so close to the outside net there,” said Finlay Mickel on co-commentary.

“That is the escape of Kilde’s career,” concluded Fellows. “My goodness. He’s flying at around about 80 miles-per-hour. The Norwegians have their head in their hands expecting a huge crash!”

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