Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following securing a top-three finish for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
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 represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
