Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a top-three finish for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Racing in the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course 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 enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
