The American champion Assured of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, 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 represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
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 Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 after 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 performances are highly promising.
She has one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point 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 campaign features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
