Lindsey Vonn’s request to compete in a men’s World Cup downhill race has been rejected by the International Ski Federation.
The FIS council met Saturday in Oberhofen, Switzerland, and “confirmed that one gender is not entitled to participate in races of the other,” adding in a statement that “exceptions will not be made to the FIS Rules.”
Vonn, a four-time overall World Cup champion, wanted to enter the men’s downhill on Nov. 24 at Lake Louise, Alberta, six days before the women race on the same course.
“It’s very clear,” FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis told the Associated Press in a telephone interview. “It’s called the men’s World Cup and the ladies’ World Cup. The men race the men’s World Cup and the ladies race the ladies’ World Cup. FIS and World Cup points are not transferable from one circuit to another.”
The FIS statement said that Vonn “is welcome to submit a request to the organizing committee and jury to be a forerunner” for the races. Forerunners test the course before races for safety and visibility.
Vonn has earned nine of her 26 World Cup downhill victories in Lake Louise, which is often dubbed “Lake Lindsey” for her dominance there.
Vonn approached the FIS on her own with the request in early October. (AP)
