The American champion Confident of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint installed in her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last 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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Returning to the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, 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 didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm happy with my skiing 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 race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
