The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the iconic venue for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, 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 firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
