The skiing legend Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a podium spot for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, 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 second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned 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 Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
