Norwegian ski jumpers express doubts over allegations of enhancement
Norwegian ski jumpers are voicing skepticism and frustration in response to allegations that some male competitors are using hyaluronic acid injections to enhance their penis size ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, reports BritPanorama.
These allegations, first reported by the German publication Bild in January, claim that athletes are undergoing the procedure prior to official suit measurements to gain an aerodynamic advantage during competition. The men’s ski jumping events are set to commence on Monday, intensifying scrutiny on the sport.
The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid, currently not prohibited in sport, into the penis to increase its circumference by approximately one to two centimetres. According to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), this enlargement could increase the overall surface area of an athlete’s competition suit, potentially prolonging their time in the air during jumps. The effects can last up to 18 months, suggesting athletes could benefit throughout an entire competitive season.
Norwegian ski jumping team members are questioning the validity of the claims, expressing disappointment that their discipline is garnering negative attention rather than recognition for athletic prowess. Christian Meyer, coach of Norway’s women’s team, stated, “I do not think we need that kind of attention, and on the women’s side, we are quite calm about the subject.” He added, “I have not seen anything like it, so I am also wondering whether it is true. I actually do not believe it.”
Norwegian jumper Anna Odine Stroem shared her disappointment, saying, “If it takes something like this to get people watching ski jumping, I do not know what to think. It is sad that we need controversy for people to find our sport endearing or exciting.” Teammate Johann Andre Forfang dismissed the allegations altogether, stating, “That is not something we want in our sport.” His fellow competitor, Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal, remarked, “All interest is good interest, but I wish it came more from what is happening on the hills.”
The regulations governing ski jumping are stringent, with suit measurements allowed only minor tolerances, making small increases in body dimensions potentially significant for performance. Athletes are measured using 3D body scanning technology while wearing form-fitting underwear, with all suit dimensions required to align closely with these measurements.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has indicated it may launch an investigation should concrete evidence arise, confirming that competitors utilize hyaluronic acid injections for competitive advantage. Although the substance remains permissible under current sporting regulations, any systematic effort to manipulate body measurements could evoke regulatory scrutiny from governing authorities.
As the Winter Olympics approach, the juxtaposition of sport and scandal serves as a reminder of the complexities of competitive integrity — how a seemingly straightforward pursuit of excellence can become entangled in controversy, raising as many questions as it answers.
