Lindsey Vonn Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She has one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
