'Unacceptable': Ski federation suspends two staffers in wake of world championship cheating scandal
The Norwegian ski federation has suspended a ski jumping coach and an equipment manager over their alleged role in a cheating scandal that shook the world championships and the sport at the weekend.
The federation said coach Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Livelten were suspected of modifying ski suits by sewing in an extra seam in an attempt to create more lift in the air.
Norway is one of the traditional powers within ski jumping and the cheating attempt at its home world championships, held in the city of Trondheim, has caused outcry in a country that prides itself on its winter sports prowess.
READ MORE: Carlton young gun takes personal leave on eve of season
READ MORE: 'Bizarre timing': AFL star's split from management raises questions
READ MORE: Iconic relationship in Australian motorsport to end
Two Norwegian ski jumpers, Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang, were disqualified from the men's large hill competition after organisers said their suits broke the rules. Lindvik had finished second in the event before he was disqualified.
The federation admitted the suits had been deliberately altered, after a video emerged online of the alterations being made.
Brevik told Norwegian media several team members had been involved in the decision to alter the suits, but that "I should have stopped it".
Marius Lindvik of Norway competing in Japan in February 2025. Getty
He claimed it was the first time they had stitched in an extra seam, but made a sailing analogy to explain why a stiffer suit would help the jumpers fly farther in the air.
“A tighter sail is better than a loose sail,” Brevik said.
The federation said Brevik and Livelten would be suspended indefinitely while inquiries continue.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation said it had opened its own investigation.
"We cheated," said Jan Erik Aalbu, the director of the Norwegian ski jumping team.
"We have deceived and disappointed everyone who loves this sport, including ourselves. This is unacceptable."
Aalbu distanced himself from the controversy.
"I knew nothing about our suit modifications," he said.
Italy's Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will host the next edition of the Winter Olympics in February next year.
