The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her time away from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after securing a top-three finish for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first occasion in almost a decade, 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 the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied 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 during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, 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 bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
