The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the iconic venue for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 first jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to 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 taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point 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 circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
