Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone 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.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line 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 the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm happy with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings 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 Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
