The American champion Confident of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after earning a podium spot for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Returning to the iconic venue for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
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 circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
