The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her time away from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after claiming a top-three finish for the fourth time in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, 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 was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm pleased with my run 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 during the event, having also taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, 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 downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
