The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a artificial joint installed in her right knee during her break from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, 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 securing second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm pleased with my performance 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 claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys 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 circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
