The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee throughout her break from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result 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 February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She has an Olympic gold and two Olympic 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," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
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 current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
