The skiing legend Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Racing in the French Alps resort 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 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 pleased with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
