🔗 Share this article The American champion Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics Lindsey Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee during her hiatus from alpine racing. American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions. The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd 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 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot. "I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "After that, I skied well. I'm happy with my run today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious." This result was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday. An Incredible Return from Retirement Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a major knee surgery. With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely. She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics. "When we get to 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 accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades. She presently enjoys a 69-point lead at the top of the overall downhill standings 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 Norway on 21 March 2026.