Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, 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 taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a professional journey 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 campaign features a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
