Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in her last 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, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, 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 securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "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 not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to 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 overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup campaign features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
