Norwegian Ski Jumping Coach Suspended Over Suit Manipulation Scandal

The ski jumping scandal involving the intentional manipulation of competition suits has led to additional personnel changes within the Norwegian team. Following the suspension of head coach Magnus Brevig, assistant coach Thomas Lobben has also been suspended effective immediately, as announced by the Norwegian Ski Federation. This follows the earlier dismissal of another team member, Adrian Livelten.

The 41-year-old Lobben admitted to being involved in the decision to manipulate the jumping suits, according to General Secretary Ola Keul. The Norwegian team has pledged to fully cooperate with the investigations conducted by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and has already submitted all requested suits for examination.

Anonymous videos have surfaced showing misconduct, with footage revealing that the Norwegian team, in the presence of Brevig, was altering the competition suits in an unauthorized manner. The team reportedly added an illegal seam designed to enhance stability, which aids the jumpers during their flights.

Sports director Jan Erik Aalbu had previously indicated that consequences would follow, asserting that he had no prior knowledge of these practices. Following the individual event on the large hill, where athletes Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang were disqualified, Aalbu had initially referred to the actions as a „violation of regulations“ before later admitting to the fraud involved.