The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a surgical implant installed in her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
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 represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the iconic venue for the first time 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 victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
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 has one gold and two 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 in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to 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 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 current World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
