The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history 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 was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She has one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
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 two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
