The veteran skier had a artificial joint placed in her right knee throughout her hiatus from the sport.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn asserts she will be "in a good place" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, on the back of earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth time in five World Cup events.
The veteran athlete, who last week set a record by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her one hundred and forty-second career World Cup podium finish.
Competing at the iconic venue for the first occasion in almost a decade, Vonn crossed the line in a time of 1:20.60. She was 0.36 seconds behind winner Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson securing second place.
"I didn't quite have enough direction on the initial jump," the skier commented. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm happy with my skiing today, unlike in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was not aggressive enough."
This performance was her second top-three finish 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 staged a competitive comeback in late 2024 following a significant orthopedic procedure.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She boasts an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the next Olympics.
"In Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
Alongside her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also aiming to increase the four World Cup titles she has won over a professional journey spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point 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 includes a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on March 21st, 2026.
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