Mikaela Shiffrin, the celebrated alpine skier, recently opened up about her wedding plans following her engagement to fellow skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in 2021, became engaged in April 2024. Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of the 2026 ESPY Awards in New York City, Shiffrin shared insights into their current situation and future intentions regarding marriage.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Aleksander-Aamodt-Kilde-and-Mikaela-Shiffrin-071526-dae1dd019d334f4fb43dee7cc468c6c9.jpg)
At 31 years of age, Shiffrin revealed that the couple is not actively planning their wedding at this time. “What I’m realising is while we’re racing and we’re not together for most of the year, we just need to take the time to be together,” she explained, highlighting the challenges faced by high-performance athletes who often find themselves separated due to rigorous training and competition schedules. She noted that it might be sensible to wait until at least one of them retires before embarking on wedding preparations.
Shiffrin’s revelation comes on the heels of her remarkable victory at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where she took home a gold medal in the Slalom event. Her relationship with Kilde has garnered considerable attention since they went public in December 2021. Kilde, 33, has since expressed how their shared experiences as athletes have enriched their connection.
In a previous interview, Kilde shared insights about their relationship, stating, “We’re having an amazing time together. What I find really cool is that we can share experiences and have conversations about things I can’t really have with anyone else.” His admiration for Shiffrin’s experience aligns with their mutual desire to support one another in their respective sporting careers.
The couple’s engagement announcement created a buzz on social media, with the pair sharing their joy through a joint Instagram post that showcased a backdrop of majestic mountains. The caption featured a series of emojis that conveyed their excitement and affection for one another. The images highlighted Shiffrin’s stunning engagement ring, a dazzling diamond nestled between two gold bands, capturing a moment of elation that resonated with their followers.
In the pictures, Shiffrin beamed with happiness, and Kilde appeared equally delighted as he presented her hand for a closer view of the engagement ring. The couple’s playful expressions told a story of love and companionship, reflecting their bond that has continued to flourish amidst the demands of their sporting excellence.
As both athletes continue to excel in their respective disciplines, balancing their commitment to competition and their personal life remains a priority. Shiffrin’s honesty about the challenges they face as busy athletes serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and adjustments that accompany a life dedicated to sports.
For Shiffrin, taking the necessary time to nurture their relationship is vital, especially given the pressures and expectations that come with their professions. While there is no immediate rush to plan a wedding, the couple appears to be focusing on what truly matters: building a solid foundation for their future together.
As they navigate the next stages of their careers and relationship, Shiffrin and Kilde continue to capture the hearts of fans worldwide. Their journey not only exemplifies the triumphs of competitive skiing but also reflects a deeper, more personal commitment that resonates beyond their sporting achievements.
With the future looking bright, Mikaela Shiffrin and Aleksander Aamodt Kilde’s love story serves as an inspiration to many, reminding everyone that the most important moments often occur off the slopes. As they look forward to the next chapters in their lives, their story of mutual support, understanding, and love remains one to follow avidly.