The American champion Assured of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee during her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone 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 one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course 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 the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing 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 boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds 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 nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.