Ski jumpers and injection rumors at the 2026 Olympics
Ski jumpers and penile injections have become one of the thorniest topics of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Josh Peter of USA TODAY Sports explains.
MILAN — The three ski jumpers on the U.S. men’s Olympic team had something else on their minds besides competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which begin at 11:30 a.m. ET Monday.
They were also thinking about the so-called “penisgate,” a rumor about ski jumpers receiving hyaluronic acid injections to enlarge their penises to increase the distance they jump. US Ski said it was all “outlandish rumors” and the World Anti-Doping Agency said it would investigate whether there was any evidence.
All three American ski jumpers declared, “We did not do that.” But he did not rule out the possibility that competitors could receive the shots.
“It’s hard to say if this has already been done or if people are doing it,” said Jason Colby, 19, who is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and competing in his first Olympics. “And I think, scientifically speaking, it could work. But who knows what the other teams are doing behind closed doors.”
Kevin Bickner, who competed in the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics, told USA TODAY Sports that he thinks using the shot is “certainly possible.”
“But I don’t think this is a problem in the sports world,” said Bickner, 29, from the Chicago area. “I’ve never heard of anyone doing something like this. I’m sure no one (on Team USA) is doing this.
“We are close to some countries on the circuit. As far as I know, no country has done that. If it were to be done… it would be a one- or two-person type of thing. And in theory, I think there is a way to make it happen.”
Tate Franz, a 20-year-old Lake Placid, N.Y., native and third member of the team, told USA TODAY Sports, “I can’t speak for other teams…but you never know what other teams are doing behind closed doors.”
What about the crotch?
The head coach and assistant coach of the Norwegian men’s team have been suspended for 18 months for manipulating suits at the 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships.
In both cases, the attempts to enlarge the suit were made in the groin area, the same area that would be targeted for penis-enlarging injections.
“It’s definitely the location of the suit that makes the biggest difference,” Bickner said. “So the emphasis is on making that part of the equipment as efficient as possible. But I think there are ways that most people come up with before they decide they want to inject something into themselves.”
An enlarged groin area is an advantage, Franz said.
“The question is, is the actual injection the way someone did it?” Franz said. “That’s what I don’t have an answer for or am not sure myself yet.”
None of the jumpers expressed outrage that the rumored injections were receiving more attention than the competitors.
“It was interesting to watch it decline,” Bickner said. “It may not be all that great to get attention, but I’ve noticed that so many more people are paying attention to ski jumping in America, which is great.
“So we’re excited to represent our country. We’re excited to get noticed for us now. Hopefully, people will forget about this weirdness and pay more attention to this sport, because it’s a really cool sport and we want to represent it well.”
