Scandal about manipulating Norwegian ski jumper: what now?

The ski jumping scandal, which focuses on the Norwegian national team, ensures great turmoil at the Nordic World Ski Championship in Trondheim. The atmosphere was excited when the disqualification of several Norwegian ski jumpers was announced, including Johann Andre Forfang, Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal and Marius Lindvik. This decision was made on the basis of manipulations on its suits, which caused a temporary low in the competition, such as reported.

The excitement was triggered by videos that showed alleged sewing work on the suits. FIS investigators explained that the suits that influence maximum speeds and jump widths were not compliant and found special materials in the seams. The sovereign powers of the Norwegian team were discussed heated and protests from Austria, Poland and Slovenia followed. Sports director Horst Hüttel called the incidents unacceptable and explained that such manipulations undermine the credibility of sport (as well as OE24 reported).

competition and the consequences

The controversy go back to the first competitions of the World Cup, where possible violations of the rules were already blown up in the Norwegian suits. Toni Innauer, legend in ski jumping, regretted the state of sport. He emphasized that evidence must first be collected in such offenses in order to take appropriate measures. Innauer warned that further misconduct could have serious consequences, especially if chips were manipulated in the suits. The urge to keep the sport fair was supported by many, including the Austrian coach Andreas Widhölzl. It was required to tighten the controls to protect confidence in the ski jump.

While the controversies develop, the actors and spectators have a feeling of confusion and disappointment. There is no shortage of the drama about this scandal, and the upcoming competitions raise the question of how trust in skiing can be restored. These are not only challenges for the athletes, but also for those responsible who now have to act to preserve the integrity of the competition.