Norway Ski Jumping Coaches Face 18-Month Suspension for Suit Alterations Scandal
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has handed down significant penalties to two Norwegian ski jumping coaches and a suit technician for their involvement in a scandal surrounding suit manipulations. This decision follows an extensive 11-month investigation into the incident that has deeply affected Norway’s reputation in winter sports.
18-Month Suspension for Norwegian Coaches
On Thursday, FIS’s ethics committee announced an 18-month suspension for Magnus Brevig, the head coach of the Norwegian ski jumping team, and Adrian Livelten, the suit technician. The decision comes as a response to video evidence showing the duo altering the suits of top athletes during the 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships held in Trondheim, Norway.
The Scandal Unfolds
The championships, which took place last March, saw Norway achieve a remarkable performance, winning three gold and three bronze medals. However, the scandal erupted the night before the final day when Brevig and Livelten were filmed inserting illegal non-elastic stitching in the suits of two renowned jumpers, including reigning Olympic champion Marius Lindvik.
This alteration was intended to enhance aerodynamics, enabling the athletes to achieve better jump distances. Although Thomas Lobben, the assistant head coach, was not directly implicated in the video, he later admitted to being part of the scheme.
Reactions and Implications
- Marius Lindvik, the reigning Olympic champion, and Johann André Forfang, who competed in the mixed team event, claimed ignorance regarding the suit modifications.
- The athletes received a brief three-month suspension, which coincided with the summer season, allowing them to compete in forthcoming events.
- Forfang has a notable history in the Olympics, having won a team gold and an individual silver at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
This situation has posed a substantial embarrassment for Norway, a nation recognized for its dominance in winter sports and adherence to rules. The scandal has challenged the country’s national identity, sparking discussions about ethics in competitive sports.
Consequences of the Ruling
The ruling, emphasizing the severity of the violations, serves as a significant victory for FIS, aiming to set a precedent in ski jumping. The committee highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Each of the suspended coaches has been ordered to contribute 5,000 Swiss francs (approximately $6,200) toward the investigation’s costs. Brevig, Livelten, and Lobben now have a 21-day window to appeal their sanctions through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Looking Ahead
The backdated suspensions allow the coaches to potentially return to the sport in the next season, provided they find new employment. Meanwhile, Lindvik and Forfang are currently facing challenges in the World Cup circuit, ranking 18th and 16th, respectively, as they prepare for the Olympic ski jumping competition scheduled to commence on February 7 in Predazzo, Italy.
