The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third 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 Val d'Isere
Returning to 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 just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm happy with my run today, unlike 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 taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She has one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys 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 season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
