Vonn had a titanium prosthesis placed in her right knee throughout her time away from competitive skiing.
Alpine star Lindsey Vonn has declared she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, following earning a place on the rostrum for the fourth instance in five World Cup races.
The veteran athlete, who recently made history by becoming the most senior racer to win a downhill World Cup winner, took the bronze position in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This marked her 142nd career World Cup top-three result.
Racing in the iconic venue for the first time in eight years, 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 the runner-up spot.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," Vonn remarked. "After that, I skied well. I'm satisfied with my performance today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was too conservative."
This result was her second top-three finish at Val d'Isere during the event, having also claimed bronze in the downhill race on Saturday.
Vonn ended her career in early 2019 because of ongoing knee problems. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a major knee surgery.
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 already possesses an Olympic gold and two bronze medals from previous Games and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the next Olympics.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be in a good place," the athlete confirmed.
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four overall crystal globes 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 current World Cup campaign includes a total of nine races scheduled before the season finals in Kvitfjell, Norway on 21 March 2026.
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