Vonn underwent a artificial joint placed in her right knee during her hiatus from competitive skiing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "perfectly prepared" for the upcoming Winter Olympics, after claiming a top-three finish for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who last week set a record by becoming the oldest downhill World Cup winner, finished third in the super-G in Val d'Isere on Sunday. This represented her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Returning to the French Alps resort for the first time in almost a decade, 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 the runner-up spot.
"I was slightly lacking enough direction on the initial jump," Vonn remarked. "From that point on, I performed strongly. I'm satisfied with my run today, in contrast to in the super-G in St Moritz, where I was overly cautious."
This performance was her second podium at Val d'Isere over the weekend, having also taken third in the downhill on Saturday.
Vonn stepped away from competition in early 2019 as a result of persistent injuries. However, she made a stunning return in December 2024 following a partial knee replacement.
With 47 days remaining until the 2026 Winter Games, which are scheduled for February 6th to the 22nd, Vonn's performances are timely.
She has an Olympic gold and two bronze medals in her collection and is firmly on track to represent the United States at the 2026 Games.
"At the Olympics, I will be where I need to be," the athlete confirmed.
Alongside her Games aspirations, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has won over a career spanning 20 years.
She currently holds a 69-point lead at the summit of the overall downhill standings and is ranked fifth in the overall super-G standings.
This season's World Cup circuit includes a nine more events taking place before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
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