Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third 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 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 victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike 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 taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With 47 days 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 Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point 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 season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
