Zurich, Switzerland – American skiing ace Lindsey Vonn has conquered the women’s downhill, so she’s now asking World Cup race officials to compete against the men.
Vonn has sent a letter to the International Ski Federation (FIS) asking to be allowed to enter the Men’s Winterstart Downhill scheduled for Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada next month. The women’s Lake Louise downhill follows a week later. If Vonn’s request is approved, it could easily boost interest and television audiences for alpine ski racing via the Lake Louise competition.
FIS officials have nevertheless expressed reservations about Vonn’s request as rules prohibit a racer from skiing a course a week in advance of a race in which they participate. Vonn’s preview of the Lake Louise course via the men’s race would give the Vail, Colo. resident a substantial advantage.
One potential solution would be for Vonn to withdraw from the women’s downhill in Lake Louise, should she compete against the men.
World Cup officials took Vonn’s request under consideration at this week’s FIS Autumn Meetings held in Zurich, and are expected to render a decision in November.