The skiing legend Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance 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 winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result 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 Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks 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 firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won 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 overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
