The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
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 marked 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 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
