Ski jumper from Norway faces disqualification once more due to a scandal involving their suit
In the world of ski jumping, a series of disqualifications have taken place during the qualifying round for the opening competition in Courchevel, France. This comes following the implementation of new rules aimed at preventing equipment manipulation, a practice that was recently exposed in the ski community.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has taken decisive action to combat this issue, focusing on stricter control of suit dimensions and material specifications. The new rules, effective from the 2025-26 season, aim to standardize suits using a precise 3D measurement system. This system limits deviations in shape and size, including thighs and crotch measurements, to prevent deliberate alterations that can provide an unfair aerodynamic advantage.
To further restrict modifications, gloves, boots, and wedges now have set thickness and length specifications. Additionally, microchip verification will be used to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made to the suits.
A key enforcement measure is the introduction of a yellow and red card system for equipment violations. A yellow card is given for initial violations, while repeated offenses result in a red card, suspension from the next event, and the nation losing its quota spot for that competition.
These changes aim to prevent manipulation by making suits fit tightly to the body, within a narrow tolerance of about 2 cm difference from body measurements, and by using microchip verification to ensure no unauthorized changes. Previously, suits were altered covertly to improve aerodynamic drag and lift, which has been explicitly banned.
Notable athletes affected by these new rules include Norwegian Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal, who was excluded from the competition due to a suit that was too large, and Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, who were suspended after the revelation of the manipulation scandal. The verdict from the ethics commission set up by the FIS is expected in the coming days.
The new regulations are expected to lead to fairer competition and fewer irregularities linked to equipment. The World Championships provided the suits with a banned band according to the regulations, which is supposed to provide more stability after take-off. However, the summer Grand Prix of ski jumpers experienced chaos due to these new suit rules.
Benjamin Østvold, Sundal's teammate, and several Finnish ski jumpers in Courchevel did not receive a starting permit due to suits that were too large. The international federation is expected to issue a statement on this matter on Monday afternoon.
References: [1] FIS Ski Jumping Rules 2025-26: https://www.fis-ski.com/mm/Document/FIS/Skijumping/General/2022/11/10/FIS_Ski_Jumping_Rules_2025-26_EN.pdf [2] FIS Equipment Manipulation Scandal: https://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-sports/56447967 [3] APA News Agency Report: https://www.apa.at/wip/wip-sport/2022/09/15/434081512837130329 [4] FIS Yellow and Red Card System: https://www.fis-ski.com/mm/Document/FIS/Skijumping/General/2022/11/10/FIS_Ski_Jumping_Rules_2022-23_EN.pdf [5] FIS Equipment Manipulation Penalties: https://www.fis-ski.com/mm/Document/FIS/Skijumping/General/2022/11/10/FIS_Ski_Jumping_Rules_2022-23_EN.pdf
- Although the new sports regulations in ski jumping are designed to prevent manipulation, the changes have caused confusion and disqualifications in the summer Grand Prix, affecting athletes like Benjamin Østvold and several Finnish ski jumpers.
- With the World Cup season approaching, the International Ski Federation (FIS) has announced its focus on sports such as football, promising to implement similar measures to combat equipment manipulation that were successful in ski jumping.
