WADA pledges to probe claims of 'acid injection' manipulation as 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Italy

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA)—The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has pledged to investigate claims of "acid injection" manipulation as the Olympic Winter Games officially kick off in Milano-Cortina on Friday.

WADA confirmed it will investigate allegations that some ski jumpers competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics used "hyaluronic acid" to gain an advantage.

Asked about the claims in the German daily Bild at a press conference at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano, WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said: I'm not aware of the details of ski jumping—and how this can improve performance—but if anything were to come to the surface, we would look at anything if it is actually doping-related."

"We don't do other means of enhancing performance, but our list committee would certainly look into whether this would fall into this category. But I hadn’t heard about that until you mentioned it," he added.

According to Bild, ski jumpers reportedly use hyaluronic acid injected into their suits to enhance lift by increasing aerodynamic efficiency, expanding the body's surface area in the groin region, and allowing them to glide farther.

As the space in the groin area increases, extra surface area is created, which positively affects flight; athletes can slow their descent speed and maintain forward speed, thus gaining extra distance.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a type of sticky and slippery acid naturally produced by the body, is a long molecular chain that acts as a buffer and lubricant in joints and tissues.

- Jumpsuit tricks are not new issue

At the 2025 World Championships in Norway, Olympic medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang were given a three-month ban for reinforcing the crotch seams of their ski suits to create extra lift.

Then, the Norwegian Ski Federation also insisted they were unaware of the deliberately altered ski suits but suspended head coach Magnus Brevig and equipment manager Adrian Livelten.

Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang will compete in the ski jumping event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday.