The skiing legend Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a surgical implant placed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, 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 marked her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, 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 the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 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 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 won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
