Two Olympic cross-country skiers have faced disqualification from the Winter Games after their skis were found to contain a substance banned since the 2023-2024 season.
South Korean athletes Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin were removed from the prestigious event when the substance was detected. This substance, a type of wax, is non-biodegradable and is harmful to the environment.
The forbidden substance is fluorinated wax, which includes chemicals such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their complete lack of biodegradability.
PFAS are environmentally toxic and have been linked to cancer risks in both animals and humans, according to information from MountainFLOW, a company that supplies wax and poles.
Despite its previous use in the Olympics to enhance speed by repelling moisture and dirt from skis and even sailing equipment, its environmental impact has led to its ban.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced on Tuesday (February 10) that both Han and Lee were disqualified from the women’s classic sprint qualification round.
Neither athlete, positioned 157th and 158th in the World Cup standings, was anticipated to win medals in the race on Tuesday.
The Chosun Daily cited a source from the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association, as reported by Newsis, stating: “The athletes’ products are not fluorine wax. They tested negative in all previous international competitions with no prior issues. We are also perplexed.”
The source continued, “Such cases occur occasionally, and it seems we’ve been caught this time. It’s absurd. We will consult experts from wax and ski manufacturers to investigate whether the issue lies with the wax or skis.”
This incident isn’t isolated in skiing events, as competitors in the men’s ski jumping have been involved in injecting hyaluronic acid into their genitals to gain a competitive edge.
The cosmetic filler effect lasts approximately 18 months and serves as a natural wingsuit, affecting the suit’s fit as it is measured 4 cm away from the body.
By enlarging the penis, the suit becomes larger, enhancing its capacity to act as a lift, allowing for longer jumps.
LADbible Group has reached out to the Korea Ski Association for comment.