Norwegian jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang were disqualified in Saturday’s men’s large hill competition, while Joergen Graabak was disqualified on Friday from the Nordic Combined team event over illegal bindings.
“The support system has explained that … they chose to put a reinforced thread in the jumpsuit of Forfang and Lindvik,” Norwegian Ski Federation General Manager Jan-Erik Aalbu told reporters.
“This was done knowing that this is not within the regulations … We have cheated. We have tried to cheat the system. That is unacceptable.”
Lindvik, who had initially finished second, lost his silver medal after the disqualification. Forfang, who placed fourth, was also disqualified.
Race Director Sandro Pertile said organizers had received tips about potential suit manipulation and a formal protest from three nations. Post-race inspections revealed different material in the seams.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disqualifications. Aalbu welcomed the FIS probe and pledged full cooperation.
Lindvik had won gold in the normal hill event earlier in the championship, while Norway also claimed victories in the large hill mixed team and women’s normal hill events.
Aalbu said the cheating applied “only to Saturday’s competition” and apologized on behalf of the Norwegian team.
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Source: PAP, Reuters, EuroWeekly