Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a surgical implant installed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the iconic venue for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course 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 securing second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
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 Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
