Milano: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has committed to investigating claims of "acid injection" manipulation as the Olympic Winter Games commence in Milano-Cortina. WADA's attention is focused on allegations that ski jumpers at the 2026 Winter Olympics have used "hyaluronic acid" to gain an unfair advantage.

According to Anadolu Agency, these ski jumpers reportedly inject hyaluronic acid into their suits to enhance lift by increasing aerodynamic efficiency. This manipulation allegedly expands the body's surface area in the groin region, allowing athletes to glide farther and potentially gain extra distance by reducing descent speed while maintaining forward speed.

WADA Director General Olivier Niggli addressed these claims during a press conference at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Although not familiar with the specifics of ski jumping or how such techniques might improve performance, Niggli assured that WADA would investigate if the practice is indeed related to doping. He emphasized that while WADA does not typically address performance enhancement methods outside their jurisdiction, their list committee would evaluate whether this technique falls under prohibited categories.

The issue of modifying ski suits is not new. During the 2025 World Championships in Norway, Olympic medalists Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang faced a three-month suspension for reinforcing the crotch seams of their ski suits to create extra lift. The Norwegian Ski Federation claimed ignorance of the altered suits but suspended head coach Magnus Brevig and equipment manager Adrian Livelten in response.

Both Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang are set to compete in the ski jumping event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday.