The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
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 the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point 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 nine more events taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
