Ski jumpers speak out after astonishing claims men were ‘injecting their genitals’ at Winter Olympics
Norwegian ski jumpers have responded with doubt and frustration following reports that some male competitors have been enhancing their penises with hyaluronic acid injections ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
The allegations, first published by German publication Bild in January, suggest athletes are undergoing the procedure before official suit measurements to gain an aerodynamic advantage during competition.
Members of Norway’s ski jumping team have questioned whether the claims are accurate whilst expressing dismay that their discipline is attracting headlines for such controversial reasons rather than athletic achievement.
The men’s ski jumping events at the Games are scheduled to commence on Monday, placing the sport under heightened scrutiny.
The procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a substance not currently prohibited in sport, into the penis to increase its circumference by approximately one to two centimetres.
According to FIS, the international ski and snowboard federation, this enlargement would expand the overall surface area of an athlete’s competition suit, potentially enhancing their ability to stay airborne for longer distances.
The effects of such injections can persist for up to 18 months, meaning athletes could theoretically benefit throughout an entire competitive season and beyond.
Norwegian jumper Anna Odine Stroem expressed her disappointment amid suggestions men were injecting their genitals at the Winter Olympics
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Suit regulations in ski jumping are extremely precise, with tolerances of just two to four centimetres permitted, making even small increases in body measurements potentially significant.
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 is targeting a medal at the Winter Olympics
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Norwegian jumper Anna Odine Stroem expressed 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.”
Johann Andre Forfang was equally dismissive: “That is not something we want in our sport.”
His teammate Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal remarked: “All interest is good interest, but I wish it came more from what is happening on the hills.”
The Winter Olympics will run from February 6 to February 22
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GETTYAthletes undergo measurements using 3D body scanning technology at the start of each season, during which they must wear only elastic, form-fitting underwear.
The regulations stipulate that suit dimensions must match the competitor’s body measurements within strict tolerances, with crotch height specifically recorded and an additional three centimetres permitted for male athletes.
The World Anti-Doping Agency indicated earlier this week that it could launch an investigation should evidence emerge confirming that competitors are using hyaluronic acid injections in this manner.
While the substance itself remains legal under current sporting rules, any organised effort to manipulate body measurements for competitive gain could prompt regulatory action from authorities overseeing the sport.
