Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant placed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" 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 last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
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 securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
