Ski Jumping Officials Deny Penis Enhancement Rumors Amid Controversy

Speculation surrounding ski jumpers using penis enhancement methods for competitive advantage has prompted swift action from the sport’s governing bodies. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced on March 1, 2024, that it would investigate any evidence of athletes injecting substances like paraffin or hyaluronic acid to manipulate their ski jump suit measurements. This unusual controversy ignited following a report by the German newspaper Bild, which highlighted insider discussions on the potential practice.

The Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) quickly dismissed the claims, labeling them as “wild rumor.” The organization stated that there has never been any evidence nor indication that such practices have been employed by ski jumpers. Yet, the topic has sparked significant dialogue within the ski jumping community. Slovenian Olympic silver medallist Cene Prevc acknowledged that the subject had been discussed among athletes. “It is a topic that was spoken about quite a lot a month ago in the ski jumping world,” Prevc said in a recent interview. He clarified that he has never engaged in this practice nor knows anyone who has.

Ski jumpers must undergo rigorous body scans to ensure their suits fit perfectly, eliminating any excess material that could provide an unfair advantage. The design permits the suit to extend to the bottom of the athlete’s genitals. An increase in size could offer more material that may enhance performance during jumps.

While no athletes or coaches claimed to have witnessed this method in practice, the topic has elicited strong reactions. Norwegian ski jumper Eirin Maria Kvandal expressed her disapproval, stating, “I think that’s horrible. That’s a big step to take to get an advantage.”

The scientific implications of the matter are intriguing. A study published in the journal Frontiers indicated that even slight changes in suit fit could significantly impact jump distance. According to computer modeling, an additional 2.8 meters in jump length could result from each extra centimeter of fabric. Marco Belloli, director of the mechanics department at Politecnico University in Milan, explained, “The more surface area they have — the more surface they expose while in the air — the farther they go.”

The controversy has gained traction partly because suit manipulation has led to previous sanctions within the sport. In 2023, two Norwegian Olympic medallists, Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, received three-month suspensions after their team was found to have secretly adjusted seams around the crotch area of their suits at the 2025 World Ski Championships.

As the Winter Olympics approach, scrutiny over equipment and performance-enhancing tactics continues to intensify, making integrity in the sport a focal point of discussion. While the FIS and WADA have attempted to quell the rumors, the underlying issues of athlete performance and competitive fairness remain relevant.