The American champion Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history 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 was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at 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 0.36 seconds 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," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm happy with my skiing today, in contrast to 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 partial knee replacement.
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 boasts one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
