How Norway’s ski jumping scandal rocked a proud nation and bedrock Olympic sport
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) ethics committee suspended two former Norwegian ski jumping coaches and an equipment manager for 18 months after they admitted to manipulating jumpers' suits to gain aerodynamic advantages at the Nordic World Ski Championships.
- The cheating involved illegal stitching in the crotch area of suits worn by Olympic champion Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, which was caught on video and led to suspensions for the coaches and minor penalties for the athletes, who deny knowledge of the scheme.
- The scandal has deeply affected Norway, a country proud of its winter sports integrity, prompting FIS to overhaul its equipment inspection protocols and increase penalties for violations, equating equipment manipulation to doping offenses.
- The coaches argue the punishment is
