Lindsey Vonn Assured of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of claiming a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record 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 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm happy 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 podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following 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 timely.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has secured 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 super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
