The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee during her break from the sport.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record 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 marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Impressive Performance in the French Alps
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn finished the course in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm pleased with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Injury
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 because 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 Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a total of nine races taking place before the season finals in Norway on 21 March 2026.
