Ski-VM: This detail causes serious injuries – claims it should be banned

Ski-VM: This detail causes serious injuries – claims it should be banned

Originally published in NRK on March 03, 2025

Ski-VM: This detail causes serious injuries – claims it should be banned – Ski-VM 2025

Summary of the Issue

The ski jumping community is facing a wave of serious knee injuries, leading experts to point out specific equipment issues as contributing factors. NRK expert Johan Remen Evensen suggests that the bent struts in ski equipment lead to excessive wear on the knees during landings, potentially increasing the risk of torn ligaments.

Urgent Changes Needed

Evensen argues that the International Ski Federation (FIS) should consider banning bent struts to enhance athlete safety. Meanwhile, other athletes, like Maren Lundby, advocate for a comprehensive approach that addresses both technique and equipment concerns to keep jumpers safe.

Expert Opinions on Injuries

Athletes like Anne Odine Strøm and Eirin Maria Kvandal also shared their experiences, highlighting personal injuries that resulted from changes in equipment regulations aimed at controlling aerodynamics. Many believe that these adjustments have made athletes more vulnerable to knee injuries, calling for urgent review and possible alterations in equipment standards ahead of major competitions.

Ongoing Discussions

The article suggests a collective call for action within the ski jumping community to mitigate risks associated with the sport, especially for younger athletes. This includes re-evaluating design specifications for jumping gear and refining landing techniques to lower the stress on joints.

In light of several athletes facing injuries, with the Ski World Championships approaching, the need for reforms is more pressing than ever to ensure the safety of all competitors.

NRK has attempted to interview the leaders of FIS for their input but has not yet succeeded.