The International Ski Federation (FIS) is implementing strict regulations on ski jumping suits following a manipulation scandal at the Nordic Ski World Championships. Athletes will be limited to one suit for the remainder of the season, which must meet current standards. Access to suits will be controlled by the FIS, with inspections conducted before competitions. The scandal revealed widespread issues of equipment manipulation, prompting an investigation and calls for enhanced regulations to ensure fair competition.
FIS Implements Strict Measures on Ski Jumping Suits
The International Ski Federation (FIS) is set to enforce stringent regulations regarding ski jumping suits for the remainder of the season, as reported by various media outlets. This decision comes in response to the recent manipulation scandal that emerged during the Nordic Ski World Championships, prompting a need for tighter controls.
Teams will be briefed on these new regulations on the evening of March 12, 2025, in Oslo. Under the new guidelines, athletes will be restricted to using only one suit for the remaining World Cup events. This suit must adhere to the current season’s standards and include the necessary tracking chips. In the event of irreparable damage to the suit, a replacement will only be permitted if no other options are available.
Changes to Suit Management and Inspections
Access to ski suits will be limited, as teams will no longer manage them. Instead, the FIS will conduct thorough material inspections before the Raw Air competition begins, ensuring that athletes are present during these checks. Additionally, the suits will be collected by the FIS between competitions, and athletes will only receive their suits shortly before their jumps. This approach aims to eliminate any last-minute adjustments or alterations.
The FIS’s decision to impose these drastic measures follows revelations from the Norwegian ski federation, which acknowledged that two of its jumpers were involved in suit manipulation before the large hill event in Trondheim. While jumpers Lindvik and Forfang claimed ignorance regarding the manipulation, their teammate Daniel-André Tande confessed to having cheated in the past, highlighting a culture of equipment manipulation in the sport.
Both former ski jumpers Anders Jacobsen and Johan Remen Evensen have also admitted to similar practices, suggesting that the issue is widespread. Tande revealed that in 2019, the Norwegian team modified their suit material using a perforation machine to pass air permeability tests. He pointed out that this behavior is not unique to Norway, with other nations reportedly engaging in similar tactics, indicating a need for reform within the FIS.
In light of the ongoing scandal, the FIS has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter, which has already resulted in personnel changes, including the dismissal of a co-coach. As the situation develops, there are growing calls for clearer regulations and stricter enforcement from the FIS to uphold the integrity of the sport.