The American champion Assured of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after earning a top-three finish for the fourth time 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, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike 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 claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds 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 features a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
