Why were Norway ski jumping coaches suspended?

Coaches were suspended for adding illegal extra stitches to ski suits to gain an aerodynamic advantage.

How much can altered ski suits increase jump distance?

Studies show adding just 1 cm of fabric can increase jump distance by up to 9.2 feet.

What new rules are in place for ski jumping after the scandal?

New rules include more microchips, 3D measurements, and a yellow/red card system for violations.

Home / Sports / Ski Jumping Scandal: The Crotch Stitch Cheating

Ski Jumping Scandal: The Crotch Stitch Cheating

22 Jan

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Summary

Coaches banned for adding extra stitches to ski suits.
Suit alterations can add nearly 10 feet to jump distance.
New regulations and stricter inspections are now in place.

Ski Jumping Scandal: The Crotch Stitch Cheating

Two former coaches and a suit technician for Norway's national ski-jumping team received 18-month suspensions for illegally altering athlete suits. The scheme involved adding extra stitches in the crotch of the suits, a modification that research indicates can increase jump distance by up to 9.2 feet by enhancing aerodynamic lift. This advantage is achieved because suits act like sails, and the crotch area offers the most significant lift potential within regulated limits.

The illicit alterations were exposed by a whistleblower video, catching the individuals modifying Olympic champion Marius Lindvik's suit before the 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships. While Lindvik and another skier received shorter suspensions, the coaches and technician face career-altering bans. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation's investigation revealed the modifications were sophisticated, bypassing microchips designed to prevent suit tampering.