Lindsey Vonn Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Lindsey Vonn had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee during her time away from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a top-three finish for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented 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 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 second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I skied well. 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 podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, 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 where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
