The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
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 was her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion 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 securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She boasts 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," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit includes a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
