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Ski Jumper from Norway Faces Disqualification Once More Following Scandal Involving His Suit

Disarray at the Summer Grand Prix of Ski Jumpers: The recently implemented suit regulations, aimed to combat Norwegian doping scandal, encountered issues during the initial stage of the competition.

Ski jumper from Norway faces disqualification once more in wake of suit-related controversy
Ski jumper from Norway faces disqualification once more in wake of suit-related controversy

Ski Jumper from Norway Faces Disqualification Once More Following Scandal Involving His Suit

In the world of ski jumping, the summer Grand Prix has experienced a shake-up due to the implementation of new suit rules, following a manipulation scandal involving Norwegian skiers.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has introduced a yellow and red card system, where violations of suit rules result in warnings and multiple offenses lead to suspensions from the next event and loss of the nation’s quota spot in that World Cup competition.

This new system was put into action at the start of the 2025-26 season, leading to several disqualifications, including that of Norwegian Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal, whose suit was too large. An athlete disqualified for an equipment violation will now receive a yellow card.

Norway’s head coach and equipment manager admitted to illegal suit alterations intended to increase size for performance gains. The FIS is relying on modernized measurements in controls and new guidelines for suits to reduce the room for manipulation.

Suit measurements, particularly around the crotch and thigh areas, are more strictly controlled using 3D techniques to limit loose material. Gloves, boots, and wedges also have specific standardized dimensions to reduce manipulation.

Benjamin Østvold, Sundal's teammate, and several Finnish ski jumpers in Courchevel were also not granted starting permission due to suits that were too large. However, Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, who were suspended after the manipulation scandal, successfully qualified in Courchevel.

The FIS-appointed ethics commission is expected to make a decision in the coming days regarding the matter. The decision is expected to be sent to the affected parties on Monday morning, with the World Federation expected to issue a statement on this matter on Monday afternoon.

The Austrian news agency APA reported on the expected decision from the FIS-appointed ethics commission. It remains unclear what consequences the World Championships scandal will have for the Norwegians, as Sundal was previously suspended at the Nordic Ski World Championships in Trondheim due to manipulation of Norwegian suits.

Johann André Forfang, one of the ski jumpers involved in the manipulation scandal, has been asked about the expected decision but declined to comment. Some top German jumpers, including Andreas Wellinger, were missing from the competition, with Philipp Raimund finishing second in the qualifying round.

Videos from the March World Championships revealed illegal alterations to competition suits by the Norwegian team under the supervision of then-head coach Magnus Brevig. The World Championships host equipped the suits with a banned band for more stability after takeoff.

Østvold stated that they had not attempted to test the limits in any way, and his suit was only slightly too large on the upper arms. The changes aim to ensure fair play by reducing opportunities for illegal aerodynamic advantage from suit manipulation, emphasizing strict compliance for all ski jumpers, including Norwegians. The new system requires Norwegian athletes and staff to be more cautious, or face disqualification, suspension, and national team quota losses.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has implemented a yellow and red card system in response to the manipulation scandal, where violations of suit rules result in warnings and multiple offenses lead to suspensions.

Suit measurements, particularly around the crotch and thigh areas, are more strictly controlled using 3D techniques to limit loose material and reduce manipulation opportunities.

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