The American champion Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Lindsey Vonn in action

Lindsey Vonn underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee during her break from alpine racing.

American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.

The veteran athlete, who recently made history 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 was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.

Strong Return in the French Alps

Racing in the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course 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 securing the runner-up spot.

"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."

This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.

A Remarkable Comeback from Injury

Vonn ended her career 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 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.

She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.

"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.

Aiming for Further Glory

Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.

She currently holds a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.

This season's World Cup campaign features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.

Tony Cook
Tony Cook

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