The American champion Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics

A shot of the skier competing

The veteran skier had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.

American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of claiming a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.

The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.

Strong Return in the French Alps

Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.

"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."

This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill 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 after a major knee surgery.

With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.

She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned 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

Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years.

She currently holds a 69-point lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.

This season's World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.

Robert Lynch
Robert Lynch

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