Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a artificial joint installed in her right knee throughout her time away from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following securing a top-three finish for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 following a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
