Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented 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 one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm pleased 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 podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a major knee surgery.
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 already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
