Vonn had a surgical implant placed in her right knee throughout her time away from competitive skiing.
Legendary skier Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "perfectly prepared" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in her last five World Cup competitions.
The veteran athlete, who achieved a milestone by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, came in third place in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
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 0.36 seconds behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking the right line on the initial jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I performed strongly. I'm pleased with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill on Saturday.
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 due to ongoing knee problems. However, she staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With less than two months remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for 6-22 February, Vonn's performances are highly promising.
She boasts one gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"At the Olympics, I will be fully ready," the athlete confirmed.
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a career spanning two decades.
She presently enjoys a substantial lead at the top of the downhill World Cup rankings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This current World Cup circuit features a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
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