Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth time in 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, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at 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 victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I skied well. I'm pleased with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses 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 fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.