TRONDHEIM, Norway — There has been controversy surrounding Norway’s ski jumping team at the recent Nordic world championships due to the use of tampered suits, as announced by the Norwegian Ski Federation.
Jan-Erik Aalbu, the manager of the Norwegian team, confirmed at a news briefing that their jumpsuits were intentionally altered.
This revelation follows the disqualification of two Norwegian jumpers by the event organizers for violations related to suit regulations.
Speculation suggests that additional seams were sewn into the suits to enhance stability and improve overall performance.
Evidence of suit modification reportedly exists in video form, depicting the alterations.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) responded by stating on Sunday that their Ethics and Compliance Office has initiated an investigation to thoroughly understand the disqualification incident’s context.
They noted that skiers Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang faced disqualification during the men’s large hill event on Saturday after an inspection of their suits revealed noncompliance with equipment rules.
In a statement, FIS asserted that the investigation is examining potential illegal tampering by the Norwegian team.
Meanwhile, performer Frida Karlsson triumphed in the women’s 50-kilometer cross-country mass start race on Sunday.
This marked a splendid close to a championship where Norwegian hometown favorite Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo secured victories in all six races he entered.
Karlsson’s win contributed to Sweden securing its sixth gold medal at the championships.
This achievement marks Karlsson’s first individual world title, adding to her bronze medal win at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, along with playing a crucial role in Sweden’s earlier relay victory.
Onlookers numbered nearly 100,000 as Klaebo claimed success in the 50-kilometer mass start freestyle, achieving an unparalleled six consecutive victories in Nordic world cross-country events on Saturday.
This remarkable feat sets a historic precedent since the championship included six events in 2001 for men and 2003 for women.
Slovenian siblings Domen and Nika Prevc took home large hill ski jumping titles in their respective categories.
Additionally, the Nordic combined legend Jarl Magnus Riiber—who is poised to retire at season’s end—earned three gold medals.