Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her break from the sport.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom 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 French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line 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 second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
