Lindsey Vonn Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint installed in her right knee during her hiatus from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a 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.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Racing in the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my performance 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 taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, 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 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
