Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a 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 top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. 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 initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic 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 where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
