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One day before the Opening Ceremony at the Winter Olympics in Milan, officials from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) addressed claims made by a German tabloid that male skiers could be injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises to gain an advantage in ski jumping. The report suggested athletes were using the filler to make 3D measurements of their suit sizes appear larger, potentially benefiting them during competitions.
“I am not aware of the details of ski jumping and how it can improve performance,” WADA Director General Olivier Niggli told journalists in Milan when questioned about the claims. “If anything was to come to light, we would look into whether it is doping-related or a non-doping method enhancing performance.” He added with humor: “Ski jumping is very popular in Poland, so I promise you, I will look at this,” Niggli said.
In ski jumping, even small differences in suit size can significantly impact an athlete’s performance. Sandro Pertile, the men’s race director for the International Ski Federation (FIS), commented: “Every extra centimeter on a suit counts. If your suit has 5% larger surface area, you fly further.” Before each season begins, ski jumpers are measured for their suits via body scanners, according to BBC Sport, with rules mandating their fits within a range of 2 to 4 centimeters.
FIS Communications Director Bruno Sassi confirmed there had never been any indication or evidence suggesting competitors used hyaluronic acid injections to gain competitive advantage. However, suit tampering has occurred in the past. In August last year, Norwegian Olympic medallists Johann André Forfang and Marius Lindvik received three-month suspensions for their involvement in modifying suits with reinforced thread during the 2025 World Ski Championships, as reported by BBC Sport.