September 27, 2017 By Ryan Brower

Lindsey Vonn’s desire to finish her incredible skiing career by racing against the menhas possibly gotten one step closer to becoming a reality. According to ESPN, “The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) will take a formal proposal to the executive board of the International Ski Federation (FIS) next week requesting permission for Lindsey Vonn to compete in a World Cup competition against men at Lake Louise in 2018.”

Just because the USSA will be bringing the proposal in a formal setting to the FIS does not mean that Vonn will be granted permission. As we pointed out earlier this summer, Atle Skaardal — the chief race director for the women’s World Cup — threw water on the idea, calling Vonn’s desires “very difficult” to fulfill.

With more than 77 wins and 130 podiums as the winningest female ski racer ever, Vonn has long sought to prove herself against male competitors. In 2012, she petitioned the FIS to allow her to race in the men’s downhill event in Lake Louise, Alberta, but was denied.

Vonn is currently training for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, after breaking her humerus bone last fall. Turning 33 in October, Vonn has previously stated she plans to retire after the 2018-19 season. Winning gold at the upcoming Winter Olympics, adding more World Cup victories and racing against the men are some of the feats she wants to accomplish before then.

“I know I’m not going to win, but I would like to at least have the opportunity to try,” Vonn told the Denver Post earlier this year. “I think I’ve won enough World Cups where I should have enough respect within the industry to be able to have that opportunity.”

While it is still not a given that the FIS will grant Vonn’s request, she does have the support of USSA. It certainly would be a great sporting event to see the greatest female ski racer of all time go up against men. Here’s hoping the FIS will see the fanfare of this.