The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee during her time away from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a 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 the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, 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 the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial 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.