The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn had a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third 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 French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of 1:20.60. 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," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning two decades.
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 current World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
