The skiing legend Optimistic of Being 'in prime form' for the upcoming Winter Olympics
The veteran skier had a titanium prosthesis installed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, on the back of securing a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super giant slalom in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Strong Return in Val d'Isere
Returning to the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the first jump," Vonn said. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my skiing 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 finished third in the downhill on Saturday.
A Remarkable Comeback from Injury
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With just over six weeks remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
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.
"In Cortina, I will be fully ready," Vonn affirmed.
Aiming for Further Glory
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has secured over a professional journey spanning two decades.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is sitting in fifth place in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup campaign features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
