The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest 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.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, 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," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
