U.S. Skier Lindsey Vonn Wants To Compete In Men's Downhill Race

World Cup skiing champion and Olympic Gold Medalist LINDSEY VONN "sent a letter to Int'l Ski Federation (FIS) to ask permission to enter a men’s downhill race so she can enhance women’s alpine skiing’s image," according to SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG. Vonn sent a letter to men’s Race Dir GÜNTER HUJARA, "asking him about the possibility of competing in the men’s downhill" at Lake Louise, Canada. Women's World Cup Race Dir ATLE SKAARDAL said, "We have been talking about it, but no decision has been taken yet. It’s a matter that the FIS Council has to examine during its next meeting in November. It’s necessary to go through the rules to see if there is a way to do this and also a reason to do it" (SÜDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG, 10/7). REUTERS' Patrick Lang noted that Vonn has won "53 World Cup events in her career including 26 downhills." Last year, the 27-year-old American also became only the fourth woman to triumph in all five disciplines of modern alpine ski racing: downhill, slalom, giant slalom, Super-G and combined. However, Skaardal said, "It's complicated because no racer is supposed to ski on a race course a week prior to his or her own competition. If Lindsey Vonn could train and compete with the men in November, she would have a huge advantage on her rivals the following week during the women's races on the same course" (REUTERS, 10/6).