🔗 Share this article The American champion Assured of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Vonn had a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her break from competitive skiing. American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup events. The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G 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 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 taking the runner-up spot. "I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my run 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 over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday. A Remarkable Comeback from Retirement Vonn ended her career in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in late 2024 after a major knee surgery. With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely. She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games. "In Cortina, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed. Aiming for Further Glory In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a career spanning 20 years. She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the super-G World Cup table. This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.