Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position 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 the French Alps
Racing in the iconic venue 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 was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be fully ready," 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 overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
