Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her time away from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events.
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 represented her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 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 performances are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
