Vonn Insists Slim Chance of Racing with Men
U.S. ski star Lindsey Vonn dismissed talk Thursday that her campaign to race against men was a mere public relations stunt, although she admitted she only had a slim chance of seeing her wish come true.
"It's a serious wish on my part. I already discussed this a few years ago with my coaches and friends," Vonn told journalists in the Austrian resort of Soelden, where she was preparing to race the giant slalom in the opening World Cup event Saturday.
"That it's all for PR, that's just rubbish," she added, speaking in German.
The reigning women's overall and downhill World Cup champion made headlines earlier this month when it emerged she had requested a start in the men's downhill race in Lake Louise on November 24.
Critics say Vonn, who has won 53 World Cup races in her career, would be given an unfair advantage if she trains and races with the men in the Canadian resort, a week before the women take to the same slope.
FIS (International Ski Federation) men's race director Guenther Hujara argued Vonn could not expect to race with both the men and the women in Canada.
But Vonn remained adamant on Thursday.
"I want to try that once. I'm saying: once. It's not like I want to race with the men the whole season, not at all," she said.
"For me, it's the next level. The men race with so much energy and more speed than the ladies."
The FIS was due to decide on Vonn's request at a meeting on November 2-3.
"From what I've heard, it doesn't look too good," admitted Vonn. "For now, I have to wait... they need to make a decision and then I'll take it from there."
Source: Agence France Presse
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/58350 |