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Olympics officials address wild claim that athletes injected acid into their penises
The Olympics has once again become the center of an unusual story heading into the 2026 Winter Games.
Just days before athletes compete in the Milano Cortina Olympics on Feb. 6, officials from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation responded to reports that male ski jumpers were attempting to alter their bodies in pursuit of an advantage.
The controversy sparked when Germany’s Bild newspaper published a report suggesting some competitors may have injected hyaluronic acid into their genital area to slightly increase circumference before being measured for their suits.
These measurements, conducted with a 3D scanner before each season, help determine the fit of jumpers’ outfits, with the genital area considered one of the lowest points in the scan, according to the original reports. That raised questions about whether even a small change in body size could yield performance benefits.
International federation responds to reports
FIS officials pushed back on the speculation in public comments, stressing there is no proof supporting the claims. “There has never been any indication, let alone evidence, that any competitor has ever made use of a hyaluronic acid injection to attempt to gain a competitive advantage,” FIS communications director Bruno Sassi told BBC Sport.
Representatives offered additional clarity on the science and legality of the substance, which is popular in cosmetic procedures, while noting it is not specifically banned in their sport.
World Anti-Doping Agency director general Olivier Niggli also addressed the matter at a press event in Milan. “I am not aware of the details of ski jumping, and how that could improve performance,” he said, according to the BBC, adding that if any concerns did arise, they would examine them through the lens of anti-doping rules.
Understanding how the substance is used
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound that helps maintain moisture in skin and joints, and it is widely used in cosmetic treatments. The non-surgical filler can increase girth depending on the amount used and is said to last around 18 months, according to coverage.
Beyond its common applications in skincare clinics, it was described in media coverage as sometimes used as a penis filler for cosmetic reasons — though there is no verified evidence linking that practice to ski jumpers trying to gain an edge.
Skaters and skiers preparing for the games
Top athletes from around the world continue their preparation for competition in a wide range of disciplines.
Francesco Friedrich of Germany hopes to add more Olympic golds to his collection after dominating bobsled events for years. “I am constantly trying to find out new things and trying to make even small improvements,” he said, per E! Online.
Eileen Gu, a standout freestyle skier for China, is focused on pushing boundaries. “My whole thing was, it’s all upside,” she explained to Time about her strategy for a difficult trick. Marco Odermatt of Switzerland remains committed to excellence across alpine events. “For me, this is the best tactic,” he told a podcast.
Italy’s short track speed star Arianna Fontana looks forward to competing on home ice. “I feel like it’s going to be my homecoming party,” she told Olympics.com.
For skaters like Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, this Olympics may be a final chance at competition. “Winning at least silvers in both the individual and team events would be mission completed,” she explained, via NBC Sports.
French biathlete Quentin Fillon Maillet is chasing more podiums after a breakthrough performance in Beijing. “I put so much hard work in over the years so this feels like a really special reward,” he said.
Japanese ski jumper Kobayashi Ryoyu is already thinking about life after competition. “Even after I retire, I want to make a contribution to the world of ski jumping, to liven it up and make it more popular,” he shared.
Ester Ledecká of the Czech Republic reacted to schedule clashes that prevent her competing in two events. “I cried a bit few times about it, but we did the best we could,” she said.
Canadian hockey star Sarah Nurse reflected on her growth in the sport. “If you had asked me five years ago if I would be doing any of the things that I’m doing now, they wouldn’t have even been in the realm of possibility,” she said.
Italy’s Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner hold high hopes for curling after dominating mixed doubles in recent competition. “Getting back on the ice and competing again is something beautiful, and doing it for the Italian colours is always important for us,” Mosaner explained.
Austrian ski jumper Stefan Kraft aims to make history as an individual champion while savoring the arrival of his first child. “Welcome to the world, our little princess,” he wrote on Instagram.
Cross-country legend Johannes Hosfløt Klæbo credits the sport with shaping his life. “Cross-country skiing was what moved my soul,” he wrote.
Returnees like Canada’s Sidney Crosby remain focused on Olympic success. “Work hard and have fun,” he said about his guiding philosophy.
Finally, the German doubles luge pair Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt continue to thrive, claiming multiple Olympic gold medals and embracing the teamwork that brought them success.