The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history 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.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase 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 sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
