The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a artificial joint installed in her right knee during her break from the sport.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, 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 secured over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
