The American champion Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics

Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.

The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G 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 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 taking second place.

"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."

This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.

A Remarkable Comeback from Injury

Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 after a major knee surgery.

With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.

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 in a good place," the athlete confirmed.

Aiming for Further Glory

In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a professional journey spanning 20 years.

She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.

This season's World Cup campaign features a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.