The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee during her time away from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in her last five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone 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 marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course 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 didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm happy with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys 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 current World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
