The skiing legend Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee during her time away from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of claiming a podium spot for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record 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 Val d'Isere
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, 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 taking second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She has one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
