Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang were disqualified after officials discovered their suits had been altered with reinforced thread, a clear violation of FIS equipment regulations.
“The support system has explained that, on Friday, they chose to put a reinforced thread in the jumpsuit of Forfang and Lindvik,” stated Jan-Erik Aalbu, the general manager of the Norwegian Ski Federation, during a press conference. “This was done knowing that this is not within the regulations, but with a belief that it would not be discovered by FIS’ equipment controller. The way I consider this, we have cheated. We have tried to cheat the system. That is unacceptable.”
https://www.snowindustrynews.com
Threads used for stitching? Some threads are more aerodynamic than other threads? A “reinforced” threat is objectionable ... why? This needs to be explained.
At some point one has to wonder if there is any tangible competitive advantage involved or if some people high in the relevant federation have a financial stake in a particular supply chain.
Not that I could ever dream of thinking that international sporting federations are possible corrupt. Except for FIFA, of course. And the Olympic committee. And at the level of major national sports, the NBA, NFL, NCAA, etc.
Aside from that, the world of sports is a bastion of integrity. And never mind the agents hovering around four and five star high school kids.