Lindsey Vonn finishes 2nd in World Cup downhill a day after becoming oldest winner at age 41

Lindsey Vonn nearly did it again.

The 41-year-old American finished second in a World Cup downhill on Saturday in St. Moritz, Switzerland, a day after becoming the oldest winner in the circuit's history.

After winning the season's opening downhill by nearly a full second on Friday, Vonn was beaten by only one racer this time: Emma Aicher of Germany was 0.24 seconds faster.

Vonn attributed a mistake landing a jump midway down her run for the gap, when she nearly lost her balance for an instant and leaned heavily on her left leg to raise herself back up.

"I'm a little bit tired from yesterday, there was a lot of emotion," Vonn told Swiss broadcaster RTS. "I thought I skied pretty well on top then I was just out of balance, I fell on my hip. Yeah, didn't ski the bottom the way I wanted to."

Sofia Goggia, the 2018 Olympic champion from Italy, finished third, 0.29 behind, and Breezy Johnson, the American world champion, was fourth, 0.40 back.

Cassidy Gray was the top Canadian finisher, crossing the line 2.86 seconds off the lead for 42nd place.

Canada's Gray finishes in 42nd spot at World Cup downhill in St. Moritz

Vonn, who is preparing for the Milan Cortina Olympics, went into first position with her run down the sun-drenched Corviglia course. But the 22-year-old Aicher came down next and quickly pushed Vonn out of the leader's seat.

Vonn returned to skiing last season after nearly six years of retirement — following a partial replacement surgery on her right knee, which included inserting two pieces of titanium.

Vonn's results are shaping up to make her a top medal contender at the Olympics — and able to compete with skiers half her age. Women's Alpine skiing at the Feb. 6-22 Winter Games will be contested at Cortina