Two winter Olympians disqualified after banned substance is discovered on skis
Two Olympic skiers have been disqualified from the Winter Games after a substance prohibited since the 2023-2024 season was found on their skis.
Both Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin of South Korea were kicked out of the highly respectable games when the chemical was detected. The substance, which is a type of wax, is non-biodegradable and can have a detrimental impact on the environment.
The banned item in question is known as fluorinated wax, and contains chemicals like polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are known as having zero percent biodegradability.
PFAS are toxic to the environment, and some have been linked to cancers, fertility problems, and thyroid issues.
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However, because it creates a moisture and dirt-repelling barrier between the skis and snow, it has previously been used in the Olympics to enable skiers and even sailors to go faster.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) revealed that both Han and Lee had been disqualified on Tuesday (February 10) from the qualification round of the women's classic sprint.
Neither Han nor Lee, who ranked 157th and 158th in the World Cup standings, were considered a contender for medals in Tuesday’s race.
The Chosun Daily reports that a source from the Korea Ski & Snowboard Association said: "The athletes' products are not fluorine wax. They tested negative in all previous international competitions with no prior issues. We are also perplexed."
"Such cases occur occasionally, and it seems we’ve been caught this time. It’s absurd," they added. "We will consult experts from wax and ski manufacturers to investigate whether the issue lies with the wax or skis."
But this isn’t the only issue the skiing category has had, as in the men’s ski jumping games, a report in Bild accused some competitors of injecting hyaluronic acid into their genitals in a bid to gain an advantage last month.
Apparently, the involvement of the cosmetic filler lasts around 18 months, and acts as a natural wingsuit as suits are measured and fitted 4cm away from the body.
Enlarging the penis means the suit will be bigger, and therefore, more able to act as a lift. This lift means they can jump further than before.
LADbible Group has reached out to the Korea Ski Association for comment.
Britt Jones