The American champion Confident of Being 'in a good place' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a artificial joint fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record 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 top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Competing at 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 victor 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. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn officially retired in early 2019 because of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She has one gold and two Olympic bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has accumulated over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the super-G World Cup table.
This current World Cup circuit features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
