The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a artificial joint installed in her right knee during her hiatus from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit features a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
