Alleged penis injections would allow athletes to increase the size of their suits, which helps them jump further.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is at the epicenter of an unusual controversy following reports that elite ski jumping athletes may be injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises to gain a competitive advantage.
The allegations, initially reported by the German newspaper and have since been dubbed “Penisgate“. The issue was raised publicly on Thursday during a WADA event, when President Witold Bańka was asked whether the agency was aware of allegations that ski jumping athletes were injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises to increase flight distance.
Bańka reacted with visible surprise, joking that since ski jumping is popular in his native Poland, “would take a look“, while recognizing the seriousness of the matter.
The allegations arise following confirmed cases of equipment manipulation in sport. At the 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships, Norwegian Olympic medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang received three-month suspensions after it was revealed that his team had secretly altered the seams of his suits in the crotch area. The modifications increased the size of the suits, reducing drag and decreasing the speed of descent, allowing longer jumps.
Norway’s head coach Magnus Brevik, assistant coach Thomas Lobben and coaching staff member Adrian Livelten were subsequently suspended for 18 months for their involvement. Scientific research has shown that even small changes in the dimensions of facts can significantly affect performance. A study published in the journal Frontiers concluded that a 2 cm increase in the suit’s circumference could reduce drag by 4%, increase lift by 5% and add almost six meters to the jump length.
According to the Bild newspaper, stricter controls on suit measurements have led athletes to explore alternative methods. Suit size data is collected using 3D scanners that measure from the lowest point of the genitals. The paper claims that some jumpers may be temporarily increasing their measurements by injecting hyaluronic acid or paraffin, or putting clay in underwear during scanning.
Doctor Kamran Karim, cited by Bild, warned that such injections are medically unnecessary and pose health risks. Although there is still no concrete evidence to corroborate the allegations, Wada officials have acknowledged that any method that put the athlete’s health at risk or violates the spirit of sportsmanship may be subject to anti-doping regulations.
Wada director-general Olivier Niggli said the agency had no prior knowledge of the allegations, but confirmed they would be examined if evidence emerged. “If something comes to light, we will analyze it,” he said, noting that the agency’s lists committee would assess whether such practices constitute doping.
