‘Something has to change if I want to go back’: Kilde complains about bandages from a wheelchair and issues an ultimatum

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The battle back in the ski circus is actually difficult enough for Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (31). The Norwegian star speaks about the worst pain of his life, anxiety and panic attacks as a result of his serious fall during the Lauberhorn descent on January 13.

He will be in a wheelchair for weeks. With the big vision to fight for downhill victories again? That’s exactly what the overall 2020 World Cup winner is questioning – not primarily because of the injury, but because of his own national association!

“There is a lot of arrogance”

Kilde even gives an ultimatum: “I love this sport so much that I want to come back. But it is also clear to me that something has to change at the top of the Norwegian Ski Association if I want to return,” he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Kilde accuses the association of being arrogant: “They think that athletes come and go. In the end, maybe no one will come because there is so much arrogance.”

The poison arrows did not fall from the sky: the dispute between the top athletes and their own association has been simmering for some time. It concerns marketing rights. The athletes in Norway hardly have a say here. Kilde & Co. even approached a lawyer in the summer to gain more freedom.

Braathen and Kristoffersen greet you

Compatriot Lucas Braathen settled with the association when he unexpectedly retired as a 23-year-old star just before the start of the season in October. Henrik Kristoffersen (29) sued the association in 2019 because he wanted to drive with a Red Bull helmet and wanted 1.75 million in damages. Without success.

The association takes a position with NRK. They listen to Kilde & Co. and think together about how the structures can be modernized. “The athletes are the most important thing, we work for them every day.” What does Kilde say about that? He complains, “We just kept hitting a wall.”

Source : Blick