The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a podium spot for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course 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 securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two 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 fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys 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 season's World Cup campaign features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
