The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant installed in her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in a good place" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom 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
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion 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 winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign features a nine more events taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
