The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.
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
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance 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 over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic 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 where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.