The veteran skier had a surgical implant fitted to her right knee throughout her hiatus from alpine racing.
American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn states she will be "in an excellent position" for the Milan-Cortina Olympics, after securing a podium spot for the fourth instance in five World Cup events.
The 41-year-old, who achieved a milestone 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 was her 142nd career World Cup podium finish.
Competing at the iconic venue for the first time in almost a decade, Vonn finished the course in a time of one minute 20.60 seconds. She was just over a third of a second behind victor Sofia Goggia of Italy, with New Zealand's Alice Robinson taking second place.
"I didn't quite have the right line on the first jump," the skier commented. "Subsequently, I skied well. I'm pleased with my run 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 taken third in the downhill race on Saturday.
Vonn officially retired 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 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which are set to run from 6-22 February, Vonn's form are highly promising.
She already possesses one gold and two Olympic bronze medals from previous Games and is strongly positioned to compete for the United States at the 2026 Games.
"When we get to Cortina, I will be where I need to be," Vonn affirmed.
In addition to her Olympic ambitions, Vonn is also hoping to add to the four World Cup titles she has secured over a professional journey 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 season's World Cup circuit features a total of nine races scheduled before the circuit finale in Norway on 21 March 2026.
