Ski jumping scandal continues as five Norwegians face charges for alleged suit manipulation
In a shocking turn of events, two Norwegian Olympic gold medalist ski jumpers, Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, along with three team staff members, have been formally charged with ethics violations related to alleged tampering with ski suits at the Nordic World Championships held in Trondheim in March[1][2]. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has taken serious action, implying a breach of competition rules and ethics.
The manipulation involved increasing the size of suits pre-approved and microchipped by FIS, a violation that was captured on secretly filmed footage[2]. As a result, Lindvik and Forfang were disqualified from the individual large hill event and suspended by FIS for the rest of the season.
Their gold medals in the men's normal hill event at the worlds and Norway's bronze in the men's team event on the large hill are at risk due to the ongoing investigation[1]. The allegations involve illegally modified ski suits that can help athletes fly further with more aerodynamic resistance.
The FIS conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing 38 witnesses and examining 88 pieces of evidence[1]. The alterations could be confirmed only by tearing apart the seams of the crotch area on the Norwegian ski suits[2].
Admissions of guilt were made in March by head coach Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Livelten, who said suits were altered only before the men's large hill event[2]. The changes in ski jumping suit regulations have been introduced following the scandal, resulting in disqualifications of Norwegian jumpers in subsequent competitions such as the Summer Grand Prix[3].
FIS has already tightened up its rules on ski jump suits, causing a spate of disqualifications during the first competition of the new season. The case will be judged by three members of the ethics panel, and verdicts must be reached "no later than 30 days after the hearing process is concluded."
The charges against Lindvik, Forfang, and the three staff members are part of an investigation into "equipment manipulation" at the Nordic worlds[1]. The formal protests were made by the Austria, Slovenia, and Poland teams[2]. No timetable was given for hearings or verdicts in the case, intensifying less than six months before the next Winter Olympics[2].
Despite the allegations, both Lindvik and Forfang denied involvement in March[2]. The FIS stated that the disqualifications were due to technical issues and did not suspect "ill intent." No one else will be charged in the case, according to the FIS[1].
This scandal has shaken the tight-knit communities of ski jumping and Norwegian sports, raising questions about the integrity of the sport and the need for stricter regulations.
[1] The Guardian
[2] BBC Sport
[3] Reuters
Despite their initial denials, Norwegian Olympic gold medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, along with team staff members, are facing charges for alleged manipulation of ski suits in sports competitions. The manipulation involved alterations that could help athletes achieve more distance with better aerodynamic resistance, and the case is part of an investigation into equipment manipulation at the Nordic World Championships.
