"We were forced to conclude it is a matter of discrimination and decided we had no choice but to launch a lawsuit. As an organization, we represent women ski jumpers in the United States, but in this case a discrimination suit in the jurisdiction of the next Olympic Winter Games had to be filed. In spirit, the action represents women ski jumpers worldwide and we are determined to fight for their equal rights."

Corradini said they thought the fight was over in 2006 when the FIS (International Ski Federation) voted 114-to-1 to allow women to participate in the World Championships.

"Everyone said once the FIS lets you in, then the IOC will follow suit because that's the sport's governing body," she said. In fact, it was in the IOC's charter. That is, until they changed it a few months later.

The IOC's argument against adding women was that there isn't enough "universality" in the sport.

According to FIS, during the 2007-08 season, there were 99 women ski jumpers representing 15 countries on the elite tour level. Whereas, in snowboard cross, there were 34 women from 10 nations, and in ski cross there were 30 women from 11 countries. In bobsled, during that same time frame, 26 women from 13 countries competed at the elite level.

In fact, the U.S. Ski Team only funds a women's program with six athletes participating, including Van.

"It's been extremely frustrating," she said. "It's endless. It feels like it's never going to end. The hearing does give me a little hope. But I'm skeptical."

Ironically, Van set the record on the Olympic ski jump course that will be used in the 2010 Olympic Games.

"I will laugh," Van said when asked how she would feel if she's not allowed to participate. "Because that shows how obvious it is that girls can jump. And here I am, not even given the opportunity to defend my record."

Van said she believes the sport would grow even more if the IOC would allow women to compete in the Olympics.

"I think there would be more funding from the grass-roots levels to the elite levels," she said. "Even without it, the jumpers get better almost every competition. It's definitely improving every time. And yet we're still not getting the chances we deserve."

Even so, Van just can't think about doing anything else with her life right now.

"But despite all the political problems, I love what I do ... There is nothing else like it," she said. "I love the rush, and it's definitely the most unique thing I've ever done."

E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com