🔗 Share this article The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics Vonn had a surgical implant installed in her right knee during her time away from alpine racing. American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after earning a podium spot for the fourth time in five World Cup events. The 41-year-old, 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 podium finish. Strong Return in Val d'Isere Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place. "I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my performance 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 claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday. An Incredible Return from Injury Vonn officially retired in February 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a major knee surgery. With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising. She already possesses one gold and two Olympic 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. Aiming for Further Glory In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning two decades. She currently holds 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 campaign includes a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.