The skiing legend Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant installed in her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm happy with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit features a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
