Ski jumping controversy lingers amid Fish Ethics Commission deliberations

Ski jumping controversy lingers amid Fish Ethics Commission deliberations

The ski jumping world has been shaken by a manipulation scandal involving the Norwegian team at the World Championships held in Trondheim, Norway five months ago. Five members of the team, including Olympic gold medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, have been formally charged with equipment manipulation.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) is investigating the case, with evidence suggesting that the team altered pre-approved and microchipped competition suits in an impermissible manner. Secretly filmed footage and physical examination of the suits, specifically the crotch area, revealed the addition of an unauthorized seam intended to provide more stability in the air. Team coaches Magnus Brevig and Thomas Lobben are also under investigation for orchestrating the scheme [1][3][4].

The FIS ethics panel is responsible for judging the case, with a verdict expected no later than 30 days after the hearing process concludes. The investigation covers multiple aspects, including whether athletes and coaches acted knowingly, the extent of conspiracy within the Norwegian team, past violations, and any potential spread to other teams [1].

As a consequence, five jumpers and officials have already been suspended, including team coaches Brevig and Lobben. Norway has admitted to the manipulation for that event, and officials have tightened suit regulations as a direct response [1][5].

The title fights at the end of February and beginning of March were overshadowed by the manipulation scandal. Formal protests have been lodged by Austria, Slovenia, and Poland teams, but the official decision on disqualifications and medal reallocations awaits the ethics panel’s verdict [1].

The FIS is actively reviewing the matter and likely to impose penalties ranging from suspensions, disqualifications, fines, or even stripping of medals based on their final determination. If Lindvik and Forfang's results are nullified, Karl Geiger could move up to bronze in the individual event, and two German teams could secure bronze medals [6].

The case has been referred to the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ethics Commission for a decision on possible suspensions, fines, or disqualifications. The latest news suggests that 18-month suspensions are being sought for head coaches Magnus Brevig and two assistants, while three-month suspensions are proposed for the athletes [7].

German athlete Andreas Wellinger, who finished second behind the later suspended Norwegian Marius Lindvik in the normal hill competition at the World Championships, expressed that retroactive gold would not alleviate the bitterness of the situation due to missing out on the victory ceremony, anthem, photos, and emotions [8].

The FIS has also announced that new rules for controlling ski jumping equipment will be introduced in May 2025, with preliminary findings expected at the FIS Fall Meetings in September 2025 [2].

References:

1. BBC Sport
2. FIS
3. The Guardian
4. NBC Sports
5. Reuters
6. Ski Jumping World
7. Norwegian Broadcaster TV2
8. The Norwegian Ski Federation

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