The American champion Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her time away from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was 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 crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return 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 from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, 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 professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
