Vonn was 1.39 seconds off the fastest time of the day in Friday’s training session, which took place in difficult weather and surface conditions because the snow was softer after heavy snowfall earlier in the week.
On Saturday she improved on her time in more favourable ground conditions, completing the run in one minute 38.28 seconds, 0.37 seconds off compatriot Breezy Johnson, who clocked the fastest run, and more than six seconds faster than the first run.
“It was important to get on snow today because it’s a very different run,” Vonn’s coach Aksel Lund said.
“The times are not that much faster, but the feeling (is very different) on the skis because now it’s a solid base, meaning that all the small bumps, you don’t cut through them, you feel them through your body.
“She was very calm when she came down. She didn’t talk about the knee at all. And then I didn’t want to ask either, because I figured that’s a good sign.
“She knows she’ll have to push harder tomorrow, because the rest of the girls will, and it’s the Olympic downhill.”
On whether Vonn is physically ready to compete, Lund added: “Good enough to win this race, hopefully. But her mental strength, I think that’s why she has won as much as she has.
“And she also has some experience now, at 41 years old. I think that’s what she needs to bring out tomorrow.”
Vonn remains uncertain as to whether she will compete in the super-G and team events.
