Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind victor 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. "After that, 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 podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of 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 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
