The American champion Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her break from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, following claiming a top-three finish for the fourth time in her last five World Cup races.
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 one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in the French Alps
Competing at the French Alps resort for the first occasion in eight years, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm happy with my skiing 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 during the event, having also finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
An Incredible Return from Retirement
Vonn officially retired in February 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she staged a competitive comeback in December 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances 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 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four overall crystal globes she has accumulated over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds 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 season's World Cup circuit includes a nine more events scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
