The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant placed in her right knee throughout her time away from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a podium spot for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, 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 didn't quite have enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned 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
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This season's World Cup campaign features a total of nine races taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
