Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant installed in her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of claiming a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my run today, in contrast to 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 February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
