The American champion Confident of Being 'in prime form' for Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Vonn had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a 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.
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 just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied 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 during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn ended her career in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Chasing More Titles
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys 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 nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
