The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee during her time away from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a top-three finish for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months 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 strongly positioned 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
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
