The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
