Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Returning to the iconic venue for the first occasion 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 the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, 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 podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following 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 performances are highly promising.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
