The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the iconic venue for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form 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.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey 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 overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
