The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the oldest 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 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 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. 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 over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
