The American champion Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a artificial joint installed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial 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 circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
