The Bizarre Enhancement Claims Rocking Ski Jumping

German newspaper Bild reported in January that some ski jumpers have been injecting their penises with hyaluronic acid ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics — the theory being that temporarily enlarged genitalia would yield looser-fitting suits when measured by 3D scanners, and those looser suits could act like sails to produce longer jumps.

A study published last October in the scientific journal Frontiers found that a 2cm suit change translated to an extra 5.8 metres in jump distance. No specific athletes have been accused. The World Anti-Doping Agency said Thursday it would investigate if presented with evidence, noting its powers extend to banning practices that violate the “spirit of sport.” The claims arrive as ski jumping already faces scrutiny — two Norwegian coaches and an equipment manager received 18-month bans in January for illegally manipulating suit stitching.