🔗 Share this article The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in a good place' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Lindsey Vonn underwent a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing. Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup races. The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented 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 crossed the line 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 didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I skied well. I'm happy with my run today, in contrast to 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 ended her career in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure. With less than two months 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 Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics. "In Cortina, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed. Aiming for Further Glory Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has won over a professional journey spanning two decades. She presently enjoys 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 includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.