Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a top-three finish for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Racing in 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 taking second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike 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 claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She has one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
