"As the world now knows, being well endowed is a distinct advantage for the simple key reason that when a jumper spreads their legs the crotch of their trousers stretches out into a wing, and the bigger that wing is, the further they're likely to fly. Computer analysis suggests they get an extra 2.8 metres of distance for every extra centimetre of fabric."
"Which is why the ski-jumping rules state that a suit is only allowed to be 4cm larger than the surface area of the body wearing it. But of course anyone who can find a way of temporarily enhancing that surface area when the official measurements are being taken would have the advantage of a few precious extra square centimetres of material with which to work."
"No one in the ski-jumping community wants to discuss this. The federation that runs the sport says it is just a wild rumour. But the unfortunate truth is that the sport, and the Norwegian team in particular, has invited all this speculation after two of their athletes, Marius Lindvik and Johan Andre Forfang, were banned for three months after their coaches were caught sewing extra material into the athletes' jumpsuits at the World Cup last year."
Ski jumpers gain lift when the crotch of their trousers stretches into a wing, increasing flight distance. Computer analysis estimates an extra 2.8 metres of distance for every additional centimetre of fabric. Rules permit suits only up to 4cm larger than the athlete’s body surface area. Competitors who can temporarily increase surface area during official measurements gain extra suit material and aerodynamic advantage. Reports emerged that some jumpers injected hyaluronic acid into their penises to enlarge them. World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka fielded questions about investigations. Two Norwegian athletes were banned for three months after coaches were filmed sewing extra material into jumpsuits.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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