PREDAZZO, Italy (AP) — The international governing body for skiing, known as the International Ski Federation (FIS), has categorically dismissed reports suggesting that ski jumpers are enhancing their groin area to gain a competitive edge as the Winter Olympics begin. The rumors, which have been labeled as "wild" by FIS, emerged from a report published by the German tabloid Bild last month.
The Bild article claimed that some ski jumpers were injecting hyaluronic acid into their genital areas or using a condom-like sheath to justify wearing larger ski jump suits. This alleged manipulation could result in greater lift and longer flight distance, thereby increasing their chances of winning medals during the Olympic competition.
The issue gained prominence this week when World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) officials, present in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, indicated that they would be prepared to investigate any related claims, particularly if doping was involved. However, FIS spokesperson Bruno Sassi reiterated that the claims were unfounded, stating, "This wild rumor started off a few weeks ago from pure hearsay. There has never been any indication, let alone evidence, that any competitor has ever made use of a hyaluronic acid injection to attempt to gain a competitive advantage."
The story initially received limited international attention until WADA Director General Olivier Niggli was questioned about it during a press conference in Milan. He mentioned, "If anything was to come to the surface, we would look at anything and if it is doping related. We don’t do other means of enhancing performance."
Medical experts have since weighed in on the dangers and ethical concerns of using hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced by the body and commonly used in joint lubrication and skincare products. When asked if WADA was conducting an investigation into this issue, spokesperson James Fitzgerald clarified that hyaluronic acid is not a banned substance and referred concerns regarding ski jumping suits back to FIS.
The context of these rumors is particularly sensitive, given the recent cheating scandal in ski jumping that saw Norwegian team leaders being caught on camera manipulating ski suits during the World Championship in Trondheim, Norway. Head coach Magnus Brevik, assistant coach Thomas Lobben, and staff member Adrian Livelten received 18-month bans from the sport for their actions, which involved tampering with ski suits prior to the men’s large hill event. Moreover, athletes Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang also accepted three-month suspensions that permitted them to compete in this season's events.
In response to the scandal and to maintain the integrity of the sport, FIS has introduced stricter equipment controls. These new measures include checks before and after each jump, enhanced 3-D measurements for evaluating athletes in their uniforms, and microchips embedded in the suits to prevent any form of manipulation. With these steps in place, the regulatory body aims to ensure fair competition as the Winter Olympics approach.
