Norwegian ski federation has suspended ski jumping coaches and equipment managers for their alleged role in the cheating scandal that rocked the world championship this weekend.
The federation said Director Magnus Brevik and equipment manager Adrian Riverten are suspected of modifying the ski suit by sewing into extra seams to create more lifts in the air.
Norway is one of the traditional forces within ski jumps, and attempts to cheate at the Homeworld Championship sparked major protests in a country that takes pride in its winter sports prowess.
Two Norwegian ski jumpers, Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Faufan, were disqualified from the men’s big hill competition on Saturday after organizers said the suit had broken the rules. Lindvik finished second in the event before being disqualified.
The federation on Sunday confirmed that the lawsuit was intentionally changed after the online video of the changes that are being made.
Brevik told Norwegian media on Monday that several team members were involved in the decision to change the lawsuit, but “I should have stopped it.”
He claimed it was the first time they had sewn into extra seams, but he did a voyage analogy to explain why the stiff suits help jumpers fly in the air.
“Sails are better than loose sails,” Brevik said.
The federation said Brevik and Livelten will be suspended indefinitely while the investigation continues. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation said it began its own investigation on Sunday.
