The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after earning a top-three finish for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest 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
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. 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 initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm happy with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit 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 Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
