The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee throughout her break from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial 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 Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
