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

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 beat her by 0.24 seconds.

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

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.

Lower-ranked skiers were still coming down the Corviglia course.

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. Women’s Alpine skiing at the Feb. 6-22 Winter Games will be contested at Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Vonn holds the record of 12 World Cup wins.

Meanwhile, Vonn could aim for another victory in a super-G in St. Moritz on Sunday — in a race that fellow American standout Mikaela Shiffrin is also expected to compete in.

Shiffrin has not been racing downhill.

Aicher was seeking her third World Cup victory and second in downhill. She's a rare all-around skier capable of being competitive in all four disciplines — like Vonn at the height of her career.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics