Norwegian Ski Jumping Director Admits to Cheating in World Championships

Shocking Development in WM Scandal at Ski Jumping

A significant development has emerged in the World Championship scandal in ski jumping as Norway's sport director, Jan Erik Aalbu, admitted to cheating during the event. This manipulation was confessed in a press conference held Sunday at the team hotel, revealing that the Norwegian ski jumping team had deliberately cheated by making illegal alterations to suits prior to the large hill competition.

"We made changes to the suits knowing they were not legal. As I see it, we cheated. We tried to trick the system, and that is unacceptable," said Aalbu. He expressed remorse, stating, "We have disappointed everyone who loves ski jumping. I want to apologize to the other nations, the World Championship organizers, and the fans. I'm shocked by these revelations."

Despite this admission, Aalbu did not name those responsible for the cheating. Head coach Magnus Brevig, who was present in manipulative footage, was notably absent from the press conference, reportedly already on his way to Oslo. "I do not control what Magnus Brevig did last night," Aalbu mentioned, who faced the press alone without any affected jumpers.

According to Aalbu, only the suits of the top jumpers Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang were manipulated, and no such changes were made to any other athlete. He insisted that this act of cheating was limited to just this competition and did not expect that further victories gained in Trondheim would be stripped from the Norwegian team. "We have worn correct suits apart from this one competition," he added.

Outcry in the Scene

There has been a massive outcry within the ski jumping community, with DSV sport director Horst Hüttel describing the situation as a disaster that makes him both angry and sad. Ski jumping legend and TV expert Sven Hannawald referred to it as a "ugliness in our sport."

FIS competition director Sandro Pertile also expressed shock, stating, "We did not expect anything like this." Consequently, the FIS has launched an official investigation. The reaction in Norway has been one of disbelief; the previously splendid World Championships are now overshadowed by this scandal. NRK noted, "Our World Championships end in pure chaos. Lindvik is the World Champion but will be remembered as a cheater."

Notably, Lindvik had won gold six days earlier on the normal hill, beating Andreas Wellinger. However, the German may not find joy in a posthumous gold medal, as retrospective disqualification appears unlikely. "When the checks are done, the competitions are considered complete," Pertile remarked. Wellinger commented shortly before his return flight, stating it leaves a "very, very bitter aftertaste."

Hüttel pointed out that Lindvik likely wore the same suit during his triumph. If the title were to be revoked, Karl Geiger would receive a bronze medal instead. Additionally, Norway also won gold in mixed team and bronze in team events, with Germany finishing fourth in both competitions.

Aalbu: “I Take Responsibility”

Aalbu claimed he had been completely unaware of the cheating until Sunday morning, asserting, "I take responsibility. But I knew nothing until today, absolutely nothing. We held meetings since last night, where we uncovered that we cheated." He continued, “I watched the videos, but I am not an expert and did not know what was being done there. I was told they were preparing suits for the upcoming World Cup in Oslo."

Just the day before, Aalbu had dismissed any notion of intentional actions, stating, "There was no manipulation of the suits. This is not cheating; this is not doping." Now he has walked back that statement: "I apologize for that categorical assertion."

In the video circulating among jumpers and media, it was shown that suits were being altered in the presence of Brevig, leading three nations to protest against Norway's participation in the large hill competition.

Following the large hill competition, three Norwegians were disqualified, including the silver medalist Lindvik, who had previously won gold on the normal hill ahead of Andreas Wellinger.