Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, a Norwegian skier, shared his emotional experience during a recent television interview with Viaplay journalist Tommy Barstein. Mid-interview, he was overwhelmed by feelings connected to the past two years, which he described as feeling like a tsunami. This emotional release was unexpected for him, noting that he had never experienced such depth of feeling before, prompting him to recognize the need to care for himself amidst the pressures he faces.

Kilde's struggles are compounded by a severe injury he sustained two years ago in Wengen, which led to his absence from competitive skiing for a significant period. After making his comeback in the World Cup before Christmas, he faced the disappointment of the Olympic cancellation. The strain from these challenges affected him mentally and physically, ultimately leading to his decision to step back from the sport temporarily to focus on his well-being.

The Norwegian Ski Federation issued a press release stating that Kilde had done everything within his power to prepare for the Olympics, yet he concluded that his body and mind were not ready to compete at the necessary level. This decision highlights the importance of mental health in sports, especially for athletes who may struggle with the pressure to perform following significant setbacks.