The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a surgical implant installed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a top-three finish for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record 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 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 victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike 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 taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
