🔗 Share this article The American champion Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics Lindsey Vonn underwent a artificial joint installed in her right knee throughout her time away from the sport. Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth instance in 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, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her 142nd career World Cup podium finish. Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere Returning to the French Alps resort for the first occasion 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 securing second place. "I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious." This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday. A Remarkable Comeback from Injury Vonn officially retired in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a major knee surgery. With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are highly promising. She boasts an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the 2026 Games. "In Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed. Aiming for Further Glory Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning 20 years. She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings. This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.