Two Norwegian Olympic gold winners Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang received temporary suspension from competition after FIS investigated equipment modification claims. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) took such action after they investigated ski suits with modified components to gain aerodynamic advantages.
During the Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim Norway both Lindvik and Forfang received disqualifications for the large hill event because of discovered improper equipment modifications. At the start of competition Lindvik took the silver position until the officials disqualified her and Forfang who placed fourth finished. Separate equipment checks discovered their ski suits were illegally modified and therefore resulted in their sport's authorities stripping them of participation.
Following the equipment manipulation incident the Norwegian Ski Federation acted quickly to suspend Officials Magnus Brevig and Adrian Livelten together with equipment manager Adrian Livelten. The two officials modified the officially cleared microchipped suits in order to achieve better performance. Brevig admitted that the team felt immense shame as he said "We regret it like dogs and I deeply apologize for the incident."
Sporting officials from the FIS have taken possession of all the Norwegian ski suits used in competition for additional inspections. The FIS governing body demonstrated dedication to fight against sporting corruption as Secretary General Michel Vion said, "The situation is obviously extremely disturbing and disappointing."
According to Lindvik and Forfang they were unaware of the suit modifications although they both claim to have no knowledge about them when competing. They released a joint declaration which showed their huge sorrow about what happened and assured their confidence in the support staff. The two skiers expressed their devastation together. The altered suits would have never been jumped by either athlete because we both know about the modifications. Never."
The ski jumping community now faces fallout from this scandal because it forces discussions about ethical standards that enforce current protective measures to stop future infractions. The FIS investigation will ensure transparency by pursuing potential consequences against individuals who violate equipment regulations to keep the sport integrity high.
The ski jumping community waits for investigation outcomes because they understand the fundamental importance of upholding established guidelines in competitive sports.