The Norwegian ski federation has taken decisive action against a ski jumping coach and an equipment manager, suspending them amid allegations of a cheating scandal that has caused significant turmoil during the world championships. Coach Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Livelten are under investigation for suspected alterations to ski suits, specifically the addition of an extra seam intended to enhance the athletes’ lift during jumps.
Norway, a powerhouse in the ski jumping arena, faced a backlash as the manipulation reportedly occurred during their home championships in Trondheim, a city synonymous with the nation’s winter sports excellence. The scandal intensified when two Norwegian athletes, Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, were disqualified from the men’s large hill competition due to their suits not complying with regulations, with Lindvik previously achieving a second-place finish before the ruling.
The federation acknowledged that the suits had been deliberately modified, following the emergence of a video showcasing the alterations. Brevik has publicly stated that several team members were involved in the decision-making process regarding the suit modifications, admitting, “I should have stopped it.” He further added that this practice of altering suits was unprecedented, likening it to a sailing analogy: “A tighter sail is better than a loose sail,” implying the modifications were aimed at providing better performance.
With Brevik and Livelten placed on indefinite suspension pending further investigations, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation has also announced its own inquiry into the matter. Jan Erik Aalbu, the director of the Norwegian ski jumping team, openly acknowledged the wrongdoing, stating, “We cheated. We have deceived and disappointed everyone who loves this sport, including ourselves. This is unacceptable.” However, he distanced himself from the scandal, claiming he had no knowledge of the suit adjustments.
As the sport grapples with the implications of this scandal, attention turns towards the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, set to take place in February. The incident has not only rocked the Norwegian ski community but has also raised serious questions about sportsmanship and ethics in competitive skiing on the global stage.