The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record 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 podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
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 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys 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 nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
