The American champion Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier underwent a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her break from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in Val d'Isere
Racing in 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 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 said. "After that, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she returned to racing in late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
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 professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a substantial 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 taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
