The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her time away from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest 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 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 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind winner 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 skied well. I'm pleased with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit 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 scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
