Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after claiming a top-three finish 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, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Returning to the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to 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 race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 as a result 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 scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup circuit features a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
