Norwegian Ski Jumpers Suspended for Uniform Alterations

Reference TimelineLast updated FEB 4
SUMMARY

In March 2025, two Norwegian Olympic gold medalist ski jumpers, Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, were disqualified from a World Championship event and later suspended for three months due to illegally altered suits. Their head coach and equipment manager confessed to manipulating the suits to gain an aerodynamic advantage. The scandal led to stricter equipment regulations in ski jumping, which are now in effect for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

January 2026 5 developments

  1. A study revealed that a mere 1 cm fabric addition to a ski jumping suit could increase a jump's length by 2.

    A study revealed that a mere 1 cm fabric addition to a ski jumping suit could increase a jump's length by 2.8 meters. This specific impact detail was highlighted as part of the scandal leading to stricter rules.

  2. New, stricter equipment regulations were implemented by the FIS for the current season, ahead of the Winter Olympics, to prevent similar cheating.

    New, stricter equipment regulations were implemented by the FIS for the current season, ahead of the Winter Olympics, to prevent similar cheating. Head coach Magnus Brevik, assistant coach Thomas Lobben, and staff member Adrian Livelten received 18-month bans.

  3. Reports emerged that some Norwegian ski jumpers reportedly used acid-filled condoms in addition to illegal stitching to manipulate their suits for aerodynamic advantage.

    Reports emerged that some Norwegian ski jumpers reportedly used acid-filled condoms in addition to illegal stitching to manipulate their suits for aerodynamic advantage.

  4. Suit alterations involved inserting a stiff material within the suit's layers, making it undetectable.

    Suit alterations involved inserting a stiff material within the suit's layers, making it undetectable. The maximum allowed enlargement is 4 cm larger than the jumper's body surface area, with the crotch area being the most advantageous to stretch.

  5. The three suspended Norwegian ski jumping officials, Magnus Brevik, Thomas Lobben, and Adrian Livelt…

    The three suspended Norwegian ski jumping officials, Magnus Brevik, Thomas Lobben, and Adrian Livelten, were also issued fines by the FIS Ethics Committee, in addition to their 18-month suspensions.

August 2025 3 developments

  1. Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang accepted a three-month ban proposed by the FIS ethics committee.

    Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang accepted a three-month ban proposed by the FIS ethics committee. While not charged with direct knowledge of the manipulations, the FIS stated they "should have checked and asked questions about the night-time adjustments." This sanction allowed them to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics.

  2. Six months before the Winter Olympics, numerous athletes were disqualified over ill-fitting suits in…

    Six months before the Winter Olympics, numerous athletes were disqualified over ill-fitting suits in the first high-level competition of the new season, indicating continued kit chaos in the sport.

  3. Olympic gold medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, and three staff members of the Norwa…

    Olympic gold medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, and three staff members of the Norway men's team, were formally charged with ethics violations as part of the FIS investigation into "equipment manipulation." Lindvik's gold medal and Norway's bronze from the World Championships were put at risk.

April 2025 1 developments

  1. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has lifted the suspensions of Norwegian ski jum…

    The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has lifted the suspensions of Norwegian ski jumping athletes, allowing them to participate in the national team and compete as normal. However, the suspensions for support staff remain upheld.

March 2025 3 developments

  1. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) provisionally suspended Lindvik and Forfang, al…

    The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) provisionally suspended Lindvik and Forfang, along with three team officials, and launched its own investigation into the alleged equipment manipulation. The athletes were barred from competing in an upcoming World Cup event.

  2. The Norwegian ski federation suspended head coach Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Livelte…

    The Norwegian ski federation suspended head coach Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Livelten indefinitely, suspecting them of modifying the suits by sewing in an extra seam to create more lift. Brevik admitted that several team members were involved in the decision.

  3. The Norwegian ski federation admitted that the suits had been deliberately altered, following the emergence of a video online showing the alterations being made.

    The Norwegian ski federation admitted that the suits had been deliberately altered, following the emergence of a video online showing the alterations being made.