The American champion Optimistic of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis fitted to her right knee during her break from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone 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 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Racing in the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was 0.36 seconds 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 initial jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, 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 summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup circuit features a nine more events scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
