Norwegian ski jumpers granted a return following the suit controversy - subject to conditions
In the world of ski jumping, the upcoming Courchevel competition in France this Saturday promises an intriguing spectacle, with Olympic champion Marius Lindvik and his teammates Johan Andre Forfang and Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal set to take part. However, the event is overshadowed by a lingering controversy from the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has brought formal charges against Lindvik, Forfang, and three Norwegian team officials—coaches Magnus Brevig, Thomas Lobben, and equipment manager Adrian Livelten—for allegedly manipulating ski jump suits during the World Championships. The manipulation, which involved altering suits pre-approved and microchipped by FIS, notably increasing their size to potentially enhance performance, was documented with secret footage and confirmed by tearing the seams of the suits.
The FIS Council approved the charges, and these have been referred to the FIS Ethics Committee, which will appoint a three-member panel to adjudicate the case. The Ethics Committee’s ruling could impose bans or fines, but the timeline for a final decision has not been specified.
The investigation into the scandal has been thorough, with 38 witness interviews and 88 pieces of evidence collected. However, it found no wider conspiracy within the team or beyond, meaning no other athletes or members of the Norwegian National Ski Association beyond those named face charges.
The sanctions on Lindvik and Forfang followed their denial of involvement and suspensions after earlier disqualifications in the season. Notably, Lindvik, the current Olympic large hill champion, is expected to defend his title at the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, making the case particularly impactful.
Regarding the impact on the upcoming Courchevel competition, although FIS tightened ski suit rules this season prompting many suit disqualifications due to technical issues, it stated these do not imply ill intent and there is no current indication that the ongoing investigation will lead to immediate disqualifications or suspensions affecting the Courchevel event.
However, the investigation and charges cast a shadow over the Norwegian team’s integrity just months ahead of major competitions, potentially affecting team preparations and public perception. The new head coach, Rune Velta, has nominated his best athletes for the competition, but is not entirely sure if they will be allowed to compete due to ongoing FIS investigations.
Lindvik, who is dealing with the "maybe toughest start in the summer of his career," maintains his innocence and is "sure" he will keep his three remaining World Championships medals. The FIS has not yet completed its investigations into the incidents at the WM in Trondheim, with a decision expected "in the coming days."
[1] FIS Press Release: FIS Integrity Department Charges Norwegian Ski Jumpers and Team Officials [2] BBC News: Norwegian ski jumpers face FIS charges over World Championships manipulation [3] The Guardian: Norwegian ski jumpers and coaches charged with suit manipulation [4] NBC Olympics: Norwegian ski jumpers charged with manipulating suits at World Championships
- Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the manipulation of ski jump suits during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025, the Norwegian team, including Olympic champion Marius Lindvik, Johan Andre Forfang, and Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal, will still compete in the upcoming Courchevel competition.
- The sanctions on Marius Lindvik and Johan Andre Forfang for allegedly manipulating their ski jump suits during the World Championships have cast a shadow over the Norwegian team's integrity just months ahead of major competitions like the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
