In a significant development at the Winter Olympic Games, two South Korean cross-country skiers have been officially disqualified following the discovery of a banned substance on their equipment during the qualification rounds. The athletes, Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin, were found to have their skis contaminated with fluorinated wax, a substance that has been strictly prohibited since the 2023-24 competitive season.
The Contamination and Its Consequences
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed the disqualification on Tuesday, immediately after the women's sprint qualifiers that morning. The substance, commonly known as 'fluor', was initially popularised in the 1980s for its ability to enhance glide performance, having first been utilised in the sport of sailing. However, due to its severe environmental impact, fluorinated wax was outlawed by the FIS in 2019, with the ban becoming fully effective four years later.
Fluorinated wax is classified as a 'forever chemical', meaning it does not biodegrade and poses a persistent toxic threat to ecosystems. The FIS has enforced stringent regulations to eliminate its use, making any contamination a serious violation of Olympic and international skiing rules.
Impact on the Athletes
Neither Han Dasom nor Lee Eui-jin were considered strong contenders for medals in the event. Prior to the disqualification, the pair were ranked 157th and 158th respectively in the World Cup standings. Their removal from the competition underscores the zero-tolerance approach adopted by sporting authorities regarding banned substances, regardless of an athlete's ranking or potential for victory.
Broader Context of Olympic Controversies
This incident occurs against a backdrop of other unusual and controversial claims that have overshadowed the opening stages of the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Prior to the skiers' disqualification, the Olympic skiing events were already embroiled in unsubstantiated allegations that male ski jumpers were injecting hyaluronic acid into their genital areas to gain a competitive edge.
Dubbed 'penis gate', this surreal saga captivated media attention, though the allegations remained speculative. Nevertheless, ski jumpers are subject to rigorous checks to prevent any enhancement of their ski suits' crotch areas, which could potentially provide an aerodynamic advantage.
Scientific and Historical Precedents
Scientific studies have indicated that increasing the surface area of a skinsuit can effectively turn a ski jumper into a human glider. Research published by Frontiers established that every two-centimetre increase in suit circumference reduces drag by four percent and increases lift by five percent, equating to an additional 5.8 metres in jump length.
This theory was tragically illustrated at the world championships in March 2025, when it was revealed that the Norwegian team had manipulated the seams around the crotch of their suits to secure an unfair advantage. In the aftermath, head coach Magnus Brevik, assistant coach Thomas Lobben, and staff member Adrian Livelten all received 18-month bans.
Defending Olympic ski jump champion Marius Lindvik and fellow athlete Johann Andre Forfang were also suspended for three months, though investigations concluded that the athletes themselves were unaware of the illicit plot. Returning to competition at the Olympics in Italy, Forfang secured a ninth-place finish in the normal hill jumping event on Monday, while Lindvik placed 17th in the standings.
Preventative Measures in the Sport
In response to such controversies, athletes underwent comprehensive 3D body scans ahead of the current season to determine the precise size of their competitive suits and prevent any unauthorised tampering. These measures are designed to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure a level playing field for all competitors.
The disqualification of the South Korean skiers serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining fairness and environmental responsibility in elite winter sports. As the Games continue, authorities remain vigilant against any form of rule-breaking, whether through chemical contamination or equipment manipulation.
