The skiing legend Assured of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion 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 said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result 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 early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds 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 current World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
