Norway's Ski Jumping Stars Charged with Ethics Violations Over Suit Manipulation

Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, both Olympic gold medallists in ski jumping from Norway, along with three team officials, have been accused of breaching ethics and competition regulations related to equipment manipulation during a recent event. The allegations stem from their participation in the men’s large hill competition at the World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway, where an investigation by the International Ski Federation (FIS) revealed tampering with the ski suits.

As a result of the manipulation, Lindvik was disqualified despite finishing second, while Forfang, who came in fourth, faced similar penalties. In the wake of these findings, the Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed that the team was involved in altering the suits, although they argue that Lindvik and Forfang should not be held responsible for these violations.

The team’s head coach, Magnus Brevik, as well as assistant coach Thomas Lobben and service staff member Adrian Livelten, have also faced charges and have been provisionally suspended. Jan-Erik Aalbu, head of the Norwegian ski jumping team, expressed surprise over the charges against the two athletes, reiterating their belief in the athletes' claims of ignorance regarding the suit manipulation.

In earlier statements, Brevik and Livelten admitted to modifying the jumpsuits, which violated regulations. Aalbu noted that the changes made to Forfang's and Lindvik's jumpsuits were intended to go undetected, but acknowledged that attempting to deceive the system was unacceptable. The FIS has yet to announce when a ruling from its ethics committee will be made, especially as the Milano-Cortina Olympics approach in six months.