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

American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after claiming a podium spot for the fourth time in her last 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 giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.

Impressive Performance in the French Alps

Competing at the iconic venue 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 victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.

"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my skiing today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."

This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.

An Incredible Return from Injury

Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.

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 an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.

"At the Olympics, 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 World Cup titles she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.

She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table.

This current World Cup campaign features a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.