The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee during her break from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last 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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to 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 Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
