International ski officials have moved to dispel claims that some elite ski jumpers injected hyaluronic acid into their penises to gain aerodynamic advantages ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, calling the reports unsubstantiated and medically implausible.
The allegations, which circulated on social media and were picked up by several tabloids, suggested that a small number of athletes had undergone cosmetic procedures involving hyaluronic acid, a substance commonly used in medical and cosmetic treatments, to slightly alter body contours in a bid to increase lift and air time during jumps.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) said it was unaware of any such practices and stressed that no evidence had been presented to support the claims.
“There is no scientific basis or verified information indicating that such procedures would provide any measurable aerodynamic advantage in ski jumping,” an FIS spokesperson said. “Athlete safety and fair competition remain paramount, and all competitors are subject to strict medical, equipment and anti-doping regulations.”
Medical experts also expressed skepticism, noting that ski jumping performance is governed by factors such as technique, body position, wind conditions and equipment compliance, rather than marginal anatomical changes.
“Hyaluronic acid is used for medical and cosmetic purposes under controlled conditions, but there is no credible evidence it could enhance athletic performance in this way,” said a European sports medicine specialist familiar with elite winter sports. “Any unnecessary medical intervention would carry health risks without performance benefit.”
Under Olympic and FIS regulations, athletes are prohibited from using any method or substance that could endanger health or undermine the integrity of competition. While cosmetic procedures are not automatically banned, any intervention deemed unsafe or performance-altering could trigger disciplinary action.
Officials said routine medical disclosures, equipment inspections and biomechanical assessments would continue as preparations intensify for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
“The focus should remain on training, innovation within the rules, and athlete welfare,” the FIS spokesperson added. “Sensational claims distract from the sport and from the athletes who compete cleanly.”
No athletes have been named in connection with the allegations, and no formal investigations have been announced.
