In Trondheim, Norway, a significant controversy has erupted within the Norwegian ski community. The country’s ski federation has taken disciplinary action by suspending a ski jumping coach and an equipment manager due to their alleged involvement in a cheating incident that has overshadowed the world championships over the weekend.
The coach in question, Magnus Brevik, along with equipment manager Adrian Livelten, are accused of tampering with ski suits by incorporating an additional seam. This modification is believed to have been an effort to enhance aerial lift for ski jumpers.
Norway, renowned for its dominance in winter sports, particularly ski jumping, has been rocked by this scandal occurring at its home championships, igniting widespread indignation. The incident affected Norwegian ski jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, who both faced disqualification from the men’s large hill competition on Saturday. Lindvik, who had initially secured a second-place finish in the event, was disqualified after the alterations to his suit were flagged.
On Sunday, the federation conceded that tampering had taken place after a video surfaced online, evidencing the deliberate suit modifications. Brevik publicly acknowledged on Monday that multiple team members were part of the decision to alter the suits, admitting, “I should have stopped it.” He elaborated that this was their first use of an extra seam, using a sailing metaphor to justify the advantage, stating, “A tighter sail is better than a loose sail.”
As investigations continue, both Brevik and Livelten face indefinite suspension from their roles. In parallel, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation has announced the launch of its own probe into the matter, further deepening the scrutiny into this high-profile sporting controversy.
