The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her break from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was 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 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 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 said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup campaign features a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
