Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort 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 victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
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 current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.