The Winter Olympics have come under intense scrutiny after a bizarre and controversial report claimed that some male ski jumpers were temporarily increasing the size of their penises to gain a competitive advantage. The practice, which has been compared to a new form of doping, has reportedly caught the attention of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which has promised to investigate if credible evidence emerges.
The story was first reported by German newspaper Bild, which claimed that some ski jumpers tried to manipulate suit measurements during mandatory 3D body scans carried out before the season. According to the report, athletes have allegedly injected hyaluronic acid to temporarily increase the size of their penises, a method that is said to retain more water in the tissue and alter body dimensions.
Ski jumpers are required to have a full body scan to ensure their suits are tight and comply with strict regulations. Any excess material is prohibited as looser suits may provide additional buoyancy during flight. It is noteworthy that the crotch of the ski suit can reach to the bottom of the athlete’s genitals. Increasing the rate at this point would theoretically allow the athlete to wear a slightly larger suit that offers aerodynamic benefits throughout the season.
Bild claimed to have uncovered insider discussions that suggested some athletes were abusing the loophole by artificially adjusting their measurements before scans to secure a more forgiving suit.
WHAT IS SKI JUMPING?
Ski jumping is a winter sport in which athletes ski down a steep ramp, known as an inrun, to build up speed before launching themselves into the air. Using precise timing and body control, jumpers take off at the end of the ramp and assume a V-style position in the air, spreading their skis to maximize lift and stability.
One of the most unusual ski moments of 2024 Ryy Kobayashi flew into the history of ski jumping with the unreal.
Look at his shadow like a bird. pic.twitter.com/9sHGQYhm4z— The Figen (@TheFigen_) November 30, 2025
Competitions are scored on both distance and style. Distance points are awarded based on how far the athlete lands relative to the benchmark for the hill, while style points assess posture, balance, flight stability and landing technique. Wind conditions and starting gate settings are factored into the scoring to maintain fairness.
The hills range from normal and large hills to ski hills where jumps can exceed 230 meters. The sport emphasizes aerodynamics, which is why the equipment regulations are particularly strict.
HOW DOES IT HELP JUMPERS?
The Athletic reported that temporarily enhanced body measurements could theoretically give athletes an unfair advantage. A slightly larger or looser suit could act as a sail, trapping more air and allowing jumpers to fly further. Research cited by The Athletic, published in the scientific journal Frontiers last October, suggested that a 2cm change in suit size could translate into an extra 5.8 meters in jump distance.
The report also referred to comments made to Bild by Dr. Kamran Karim, chief consultant at the Maria-Hilf Hospital in Krefeld, who said: “It is possible to achieve temporary visual thickening of the penis by injecting paraffin or hyaluronic acid.”
While no individual athletes have been formally charged, WADA has indicated it will intervene if evidence of wrongdoing emerges. Within its purview, the agency can ban substances or practices that violate the “spirit of the sport,” even if they don’t fall under traditional performance-enhancing drugs. Suits are 3D scanned in ski jumps. (Photo: Reuters)
WADA’S RESPONSE TO PENIS-GATE
Anti-doping officials at the Winter Olympics told Reuters they were monitoring the situation closely. WADA Director General Olivier Niggli, speaking in Milan ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, said the agency had no current evidence that such practices were taking place but would investigate if necessary.
“I’m not aware of the details of ski jumping and how it can improve performance,” Niggli said. “However, if any sign should come to the surface, we will look into it. If it is related to doping, our committee will assess whether it falls within the definition.”
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has not yet officially responded to the allegations.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
February 6, 2026