Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, 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 second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
