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Norwegian downhill champion Aleksander Kilde made headlines for his two third-place finishes before ending this season on January 13 after a serious collision. Kilde was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Bern following the event to treat a serious cut and nerve damage to his right calf. Later, the three-day schedule of the longest downhill event on the World Cup circuit in Wengen, Switzerland was criticized by top skiers. Meanwhile, 95 World Cup holder Mikaela Shiffrin often visits him in between her World Cup races as a great show of solidarity.

With Shiffrin by his side during his recovery from two major surgeries, Kilde shared his health updates with fans. Much support poured in from the skiing world, including former skier Lindsey Vonn being as effusive and hopeful in her message as possible.

A happy accident? That seems to be the case as Vonn emerges as a silver lining

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Taking to his Instagram, Kilde shared a bunch of pictures from the hospital showing his nasty injury in a new health update. “Here’s what that “Process” is looking like so far…” read a part of his descriptive caption. He noted down everything he could do, what mundane activities he’s now doing better, and so on. This was a list of week 1 and week 2 summaries. However, it’s the open-wound image that compelled many to leave him recovery messages in the comments section. A speedy convalescence is all he needs right now, along with Shiffrin’s loving embrace.

Among the many supporters, Vonn stood familiar. Her note read, Ahhh yeah that’s crazy graphic!! Wow!! Glad you’re on the mend! You’ll be back like you’ve done before, I have no doubt.Roughly a week back, Vonn shared her toughest downhill race—Kitzbühel’s Streif remembering Kilde. She recalled saying, “@akilde in the finish (miss you this year Alex-heal fast!).”

Joining the supportive army, Kilde mentioned in an earlier Instagram post, “Considering the impact of the crash and the fact that I went into the net at 120 (kmh, 75 mph) I am doing surprisingly well.” And keeping in mind the nature of the sport, and Kilde’s brush with the accident, this wasn’t his first near-save in World Cup circuit history.

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 Last year’s save became this season’s devastating reality for Kilde

The 31-year-old Norwegian pulled off a stunning maneuver in the 2023 men’s downhill World Cup in Kitzbuhel, regaining control just in time to save a potentially tragic crash into the safety nets. At the tough racecourse, he rocketed down the slope near the finish, his turning ski looking shaky. Kilde called it the escape of his career,” displaying resilience as he avoided a collision and placed sixth.

READ MORE “Brb Crying”: Mikaela Shiffrin’s Heartwarming Gesture In Honor Of Injured Aleksander Aamodt Kilde Moves Internet To Happy Tears

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Kilde made an incredible comeback, evading the nets and staying upright even though he didn’t look fully in control. Despite being bedridden, Kilde continues to show his smile in each update while the world can’t help but extol his will.

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