The skiing legend Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a podium spot for the fourth time in her last five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone 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 was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return 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 just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
