'Penisgate' Hits Winter Olympics: How Some Ski Jumpers 'Go To Great Lengths' For Competitive Edge

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 07:00 IST

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed it will investigate sensational claims that male ski jumpers are injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises

As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics officially commence on Friday, a bizarre controversy has overshadowed the snow-capped peaks of the Italian Alps. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed it will investigate sensational claims that male ski jumpers are injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises to gain a competitive edge—a scandal already being referred to as “Penisgate".

The Aerodynamic ‘Sail’ Theory

The logic behind this seemingly extreme practice lies in the precision science of ski jumping, where results are often decided by centimetres. Under the rules of the International Ski Federation (FIS), the surface area of a jumper’s suit is strictly regulated and determined by their body measurements, taken via advanced 3D scanners.

The Measurement: Officials measure the “crotch height" to determine where the suit’s seam must sit.

The Manipulation: By injecting fillers like hyaluronic acid—typically used in cosmetic procedures—into the penis, an athlete can temporarily increase their girth and physical dimensions.

The Advantage: This creates a larger “crotch measurement", allowing the athlete to wear a suit with a wider circumference. In flight, this extra fabric acts like a sail or a wing, increasing lift and reducing drag.

Scientific studies published in the journal Frontiers support the temptation: a mere 2 cm increase in suit circumference can reduce drag by 4% and increase lift by 5%, potentially adding over 5.8 metres to a jump.

The Shadow of 2025: From Seams to Syringes

The current investigation, sparked by reports in the German newspaper Bild, follows a massive cheating scandal at the 2025 World Ski Championships. Last year, two Norwegian Olympic medallists, Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang, were suspended after their coaches were caught using reinforced thread to secretly adjust suit seams around the crotch area.

With FIS introducing tamper-proof microchips and stricter 3D scanning for the 2026 Games, it is alleged that athletes have pivoted from “suit manipulation" to “body manipulation" to bypass the new checks.

WADA’s Response and Risks

At a press conference in Milan on Thursday, WADA Director General Olivier Niggli admitted the agency was unaware of the specific mechanics of ski jumping performance but stated, “If anything were to come to the surface, we would look into whether this falls into the category of doping-related methods."

WADA’s president, Witold Banka, added with a wry smile that because ski jumping is a national sport in his home country of Poland, he would “promise to look at it". Beyond the potential for a ban, medical experts have warned that such injections are not medically indicated and carry severe risks of penile deformity, infection, and permanent tissue damage.

As the athletes take to the large hill this week, the focus remains on whether these “unnatural advantages" will lead to the first disqualifications of the Games before the first medal is even awarded.

News explainers 'Penisgate' Hits Winter Olympics: How Some Ski Jumpers 'Go To Great Lengths' For Competitive Edge

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