Lindsey Vonn Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee throughout her break from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm pleased with my performance today, in contrast to 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 taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She has an Olympic 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.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
