Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint placed in her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
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 represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
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 just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
