The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a artificial joint installed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Competing at 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 taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She has one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings 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 season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
