The skiing legend Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint placed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of securing 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 was her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm happy with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
