The American champion Confident of Being 'perfectly positioned' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
Vonn underwent a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Returning to the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of 1:20.60. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "After that, I skied well. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also claimed bronze 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 late 2024 after a major knee surgery.
With 47 days remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are timely.
She already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the summit of the downhill World Cup rankings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
