Lindsay Vonn American Professional Ski Racer

ST. ANTON, Austria (AP) - Lindsey Vonn is "excited" to be back again on the World Cup circuit after a three-week layoff caused by an intestinal illness.

Vonn spoke briefly after her downhill training run Thursday, saying, "I'm really excited to be back, feeling good, feeling happy and strong."

The four-time overall World Cup champion left the circuit in mid-December for three weeks to fully recover from her illness. She missed six races.

Vonn says the break was "important for me because after being sick my legs just weren't strong anymore. At some point you have to listen to your body."

She plans to have another training run Friday before competing in the downhill and a super-G this weekend.

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