The skiing legend Confident of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She has one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
