Lindsey Vonn Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a surgical implant installed in her right knee during her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. 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 remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
