The American champion Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant placed in her right knee throughout her break from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a top-three finish 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, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following 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 form are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
