WADA could investigate ski jumping’s ‘penis-gate’ after director general Olivier Niggli was questioned about the claims at the Winter Olympics
The World Anti-Doping Agency could be set to launch an investigation into ski-jumping after claims Olympians are injecting their members with acid.
According to German-outlet Bild, some athletes had injected hyaluronic acid into a silicone condom-like device worn in their trousers while they were being measure for jump suits.
The 3D scanner measurements for the crotch area of their jumpsuits are taken from the lowest point of their member. As a result, bigger does better because when taking off the surface area of the athlete is much larger, which increases the possibility of a better jump.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Asked about the claims at a press conference at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, WADA director general Olivier Niggli said: “I am not aware of the details of ski jumping, and how that could improve performance.
“If anything was to come to the surface, we would look at it and see if it is doping related. We don’t address other [non-doping] means of enhancing performance.”
Entertained by the question, WADA’s Polish president Witold Banka joked: “Ski jumping is very popular in Poland so I promise you I’m going to look at it.”
Halvor Egner Granerud, a Norwegian ski jumper, was furious at the accusations when he was approached by Dagbladet.
“Rune Velta [Norwegian coach] came into the locker room before the qualifiers and said: ‘You have to be prepared for questions about penis injections’.
“I have to admit that I thought it was nonsense. No, I’ve never heard of it until today. When I took my measurements, it was with a doctor who examined me to make sure I didn’t have a fake penis.”
He added: “I assume they are speculating about something like the body scan before the season. And it’s true: It’s better to be warm and comfortable than a little cold when measuring. That could be true.”