WADA Investigates Allegations of Unusual Suit Tampering in Ski Jumping

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is addressing reports concerning allegations of unusual performance enhancement methods in ski jumping, specifically related to suit measurements. WADA President Witold Banka has confirmed the agency will investigate these claims, which involve methods reportedly used by some athletes to alter their body measurements temporarily during official suit fittings to gain a competitive advantage.

Allegations and Reported Methods

German newspaper Bild reported claims that certain ski jumpers are employing methods to temporarily increase genital measurements during official suit fittings. These methods reportedly include the injection of hyaluronic acid into the penis or the placement of clay in underwear. The stated objective of these actions is to obtain looser-fitting suits.

The Performance Enhancement Rationale

Looser suits are believed to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase lift during jumps, which could enhance overall performance.

Sandro Pertile, FIS ski jumping men's race director, indicated that increased suit surface area could improve flight distance, stating, "Every extra centimetre on a suit counts. If your suit has a 5% bigger surface area, you fly further."

Research published in the scientific journal Frontiers also suggested that a 2-centimeter increase in suit circumference could potentially reduce drag by 4%, increase lift by 5%, and add approximately 5.8 meters to jump length.

WADA and FIS Responses

WADA Director General Olivier Niggli stated that he was not previously aware of these specific allegations. He clarified that WADA would investigate if any evidence emerged indicating a doping-related performance enhancement method that endangers athlete health and contradicts the spirit of sport. Niggli emphasized that WADA's mandate primarily concerns doping. Hyaluronic acid is not currently listed as a banned substance in sport.

In response to the allegations, Bruno Sassi, FIS communications director, informed BBC Sport that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has no indication or evidence that any competitor has used hyaluronic acid injections to gain a competitive advantage.

Medical Perspective and Risks

Dr. Kamran Karim was quoted by Bild, stating, "It is possible to achieve a temporary, visual thickening of the penis by injecting paraffin or hyaluronic acid. Such an injection is not medically indicated and is associated with risks."

Previous Suit-Related Violations

This situation follows previous incidents related to ski jumping suits. In 2023, two Norwegian Olympic medallists, Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, received three-month suspensions after their team was found to have adjusted suit seams around the crotch area during a previous championship. Additionally, Norway's head coach and two staff members received 18-month bans for their involvement in these earlier infractions.