Ski Jumpers Face "PenisGate" Rumors Before Olympics

Three members of the U.S. men's Olympic ski jumping team are addressing "PenisGate," a bizarre rumor involving penis-enlarging injections of hyaluronic acid to enhance jump distances. Competition for the 2026 Winter Games begins soon, but this scandal is on the athletes' minds.

U.S. Ski has labeled the allegations a "wild rumor," while the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has stated it will investigate for any evidence. The U.S. jumpers themselves adamantly deny participating in such practices, though they haven't ruled out competitors.

Jason Colby, Kevin Bickner, and Tate Frantz, all competing in the upcoming Olympics, expressed their team's innocence. Bickner noted that while he hasn't heard of anyone doing it, the idea of such injections is "certainly possible" theoretically. Frantz added that he cannot speak for other teams' actions behind closed doors.

This discussion coincides with an earlier controversy at the 2025 Nordic ski world championships where Norway's coaches were suspended for manipulating ski suits in the crotch area, an area also targeted for supposed performance enhancement. Athletes agree that an enlarged crotch area in suits can provide an aerodynamic advantage, but questioned if injections are a viable or chosen method.

Despite the unusual attention, the U.S. jumpers are seizing the moment. Bickner sees the increased public interest as a positive, hoping the "weirdness" will pass so focus can return to the sport itself, which they are eager to represent well.