The skiing legend Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant placed in her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
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 stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit includes a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
