The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant installed in her right knee throughout her break from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record 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 was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Returning to the iconic venue for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I skied well. 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 top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
