TOKYO (Kyodo) -- After reaching the World Cup podium for the first time in nearly four years, veteran slalom snowboarder Tomoka Takeuchi has Japanese Olympic history in her sights.

The 41-year-old placed third in the parallel giant slalom World Cup round in Scuol, Switzerland, on Jan. 11, earning her first medal on the circuit since February 2021.

In the process, Takeuchi provisionally met the eligibility criteria for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, giving her the chance to contest a seventh consecutive Winter Olympics, the most ever for a Japanese woman.

Having battled back pain for more than a year, Takeuchi had advanced to the finals in only one of her five most recent competitions before breaking through in Switzerland, where she has been based for much of her career.

"I'm very happy I was able to make this comeback in a place that feels like home to me," the 2014 Sochi parallel giant slalom silver medalist said.

Although an Olympic berth looks within reach, Takeuchi indicated she is not looking that far ahead.

"Rather than thinking about the future, the most important thing is to enjoy each and every competition in front of me," she said.

Takeuchi could be in line to contest her 12th world championships in Switzerland in March.

"The constant support I receive, whether in good times or bad, is what motivates me," she said. "I am extremely grateful, and I will continue to work hard."