Lindsey Vonn Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee during her break from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a top-three finish for the fourth time in her last five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line 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 securing second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "After that, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She already possesses one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
