The sport of ski jumping has been rocked by a scandal as three additional Norwegian jumpers faced suspension amid allegations of cheating. In a statement released on Thursday, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced that medalists from the World Championships, Robin Pederson and Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal, along with Robert Johansson, are under provisional suspension. They stand accused of violating regulations by altering their jump suits. This development followed closely on the heels of the suspensions of Olympic champions Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, both implicated for similar offenses.
The controversy erupted when team officials from Norway reportedly modified the athletes’ suits to enhance aerodynamics, thereby extending their jumping distance. At a recent inspection ordered by FIS, no discrepancies were noted in jumpsuits used by female athletes or mixed teams at the world championships in Trondheim last week. However, findings from the inquiry “elicited further suspicions of manipulation,” prompting stringent measures against Pederson, Sundal, and Johansson. For the time being, these athletes are forbidden from participating in any events governed by the FIS or associated national ski bodies.
“The rules are transparent and crafted by everyone within the ski community,” emphasized Michel Vion, FIS Secretary General, during a news conference held in Oslo where a World Cup event was concurrently taking place. He dispelled any misunderstandings about bending the rules in ski jumping: “It is not a game; it’s about adhering strictly to the rules.”
Currently, it is unclear how pervasive the practice of altering pre-approved suits is in the sport. While Lindvik and Forfang have denied any knowledge of tampering with their gear, their coach, Magnus Brevig, and equipment manager, Adrian Livelten, have admitted to involvement, resulting in their removal from their respective roles.
An independent ethics and compliance office within FIS is set to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. “Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, this is a pivotal time for our sport,” stated Sandro Pertile, FIS Race Director for Ski Jumping. “We are dealing with deliberate manipulation, and though we cannot disclose all specifics at the moment, we are committed to clarifying these issues comprehensively.”
Moving forward, FIS announced that all suits will undergo careful examination at the Oslo event to ensure compliance with regulations.
