The American champion Assured of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G 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
Racing in 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 0.36 seconds 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 initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm pleased with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 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 already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
