Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a artificial joint installed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record 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.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
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 just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, 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 top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She has an Olympic gold and two Olympic 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 fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup campaign features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.