Lindsey Vonn's Winter Games Return Builds Steam with Podium Finish in French Alps

The mindset surrounding the legendary skier's comeback trail have shifted so dramatically that even a podium finish now comes with a tinge of frustration.

The four-time Olympian secured third place in the Val d'Isère downhill event, building on a remarkable start to the season that has so far seen a win and a second place in the span of nine days. However, a small mistake on the final part of the demanding track proved costly, leaving Vonn convinced she had let a win slip away.

Dominant Display Takes the Win for Huetter

Austria's Cornelia Huetter produced the cleanest run of the day to claim her first World Cup victory this season, posting a time of 1:41.54. Second-place finisher Weidle-Winkelmann took silver, just behind, while Vonn crossed the line 0.35 seconds behind the winner.

“Twelve months prior, my answer would have been absolutely thrilled with a podium,” Vonn stated. “However, I am aware of my pace. Small errors are the difference between winning and not.”

Remarkable Return to Form

This performance marks Vonn's third time on the podium in four World Cup races and the 141st of her legendary career. This is an astonishing tally for an competitor who came back last season after a long break from the sport. At this time last season, she was absent from podium ceremonies in her comeback tour; currently, she tops the downhill World Cup standings with 240 points.

A New Contender Rises

Last season's title holder, was steadily faster than Vonn after the first timing point and accelerated to over 125 kilometers per hour. The 33-year-old Austrian now boasts five downhill victories and is becoming a prime candidate for the Olympic crown scheduled for 8 February.

2018 Olympic gold medalist Goggia, seen as Huetter's biggest threat, endured a costly error. Quickest through the intermediate, the reigning Olympic title holder was pushed into a defensive position while correcting her balance coming out of a curve and lost traction, ending up in eighth place, over half a second behind.

Positive Trajectory Towards Cortina

For Vonn, the larger story remains extremely promising. Since undergoing a surgical procedure in her injured joint, she has rediscovered both speed and belief, culminating in her maiden victory since her comeback last weekend. With fewer than seven weeks until the Winter Games begin, she feels her preparation is perfectly timed.

“I’m looking forward to some rest and recovery,” Vonn noted. “I am confident I will be prepared.”

The season halts for Christmas after the weekend's second event, with downhill and super-G competition continuing in Austria next month.