The skiing legend Confident of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant installed in her right knee during her time away from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course 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 securing 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 performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
