Norwegian Ski Jumpers Suspended Over Gear Manipulation Scandal
World champion Marius Lindvik and teammate Johann André Forfang face suspensions after illegal suit modifications at the Trondheim World Championships.
- The FIS suspended Norwegian ski jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, along with three team officials, for their alleged involvement in modifying competition suits to gain an aerodynamic advantage.
- Illegal modifications included the addition of stiffened bands and altered seams, which provided enhanced stability during jumps, violating FIS regulations.
- The FIS has introduced stricter rules for the remainder of the season, limiting athletes to one pre-approved suit per competition to prevent further violations.
- Norwegian officials admitted to the manipulations but claimed the athletes were unaware of the changes, a defense met with widespread skepticism from competitors and experts.
- The controversy has reignited broader concerns about systemic manipulation in ski jumping, with former athletes admitting to similar practices and calling for more robust enforcement by the FIS.