Ski jumping suit checks tighten before Olympics

Six months before the Winter Olympics, a top level competition in France saw several athletes disqualified over suit size, renewing controversy around equipment rules.

Ski jumping suit trouble returns ahead of Olympics with many disqualified

At the summer Grand Prix on an artificial surface in France, six male ski jumpers were disqualified for suit issues such as waist size, and three more were not permitted to start. One jumper from Japan was blocked from competing as the event continued.

The governing body says the disqualifications are a normal outcome of tightening the rules after last season's suit controversy. Officials noted that adjusting to new equipment standards is a technical process and stressed there was no evidence of deliberate cheating. A broader group of athletes also did not compete after a technical approval step, underscoring the ongoing scrutiny of gear before the Olympics.

The episode highlights how sport rules can outpace practice. Stricter checks aim to ensure fairness, but they also risk catching athletes and teams midseason as they adapt. With the Olympics looming, the balance between rigorous enforcement and reasonable flexibility will shape how fans view the sport's governance. The situation also underscores the practical challenges of equipment design where tiny changes can affect performance and safety.

Highlights

Fair play now depends on precise checks and practical adaptation in training rooms as much as on the track