The world of ski jumping has been rocked once again as three additional athletes were suspended today amid a rapidly growing cheating scandal that is threatening the integrity of the sport.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) announced the suspensions after an internal investigation revealed “serious rule violations” by the athletes, whose names have not yet been officially released. This brings the total number of suspended jumpers to eight, following earlier sanctions handed out last month.
Sources close to the investigation report that the infractions involve the manipulation of equipment specifications, including suit alterations and possible tampering with ski weights — both of which can offer unfair aerodynamic advantages during jumps.
“This is a dark day for ski jumping,” said FIS President Johan Eliasch in a press conference. “We are committed to protecting the spirit of fair competition and will act decisively against any form of cheating.”
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the ski jumping community, with athletes, coaches, and fans expressing anger and disappointment. Several top competitors have called for stricter inspections and harsher penalties to restore credibility ahead of the World Championships scheduled later this year.
An emergency meeting of the FIS Council is set for next week to discuss potential reforms and to determine whether further disciplinary action will be taken.
As investigations continue, the future of some of the sport’s most celebrated figures hangs in the balance.
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