Vonn had a artificial joint placed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of claiming a podium spot for the fourth time in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This was her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup top-three result.
Racing in the French Alps resort for the first time in eight years, Vonn crossed the line 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 initial jump," Vonn said. "From that point on, 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 performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also finished third in the downhill race on Saturday.
Vonn stepped away from competition in February 2019 due to persistent injuries. However, she returned to racing in December 2024 after a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 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 next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
In addition to her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She currently holds a substantial lead at the top of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on March 21st, 2026.
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