The American champion Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a artificial joint installed in her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of securing a top-three finish for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line in a time of 1:20.60. 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 skied well. I'm satisfied 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 over the weekend, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's form are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to represent 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 Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top 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 scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
