Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant installed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, 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 represented her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, 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 taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys 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 circuit features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
