Lindsey Vonn Assured of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a artificial joint placed in her right knee throughout her time away from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth time in her last five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
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 just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "After that, I skied well. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be fully ready," 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 accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
