Norwegian Ski Federation fires coaches in ski jumping suit manipulation scandal

Magnus Brevig, Thomas Lobben, and Adrian Livelten leave posts after Norwegian athletes implicated in illegal suit modifications.

FIS Secretary General Michel Vion (second right), FIS race director for ski jumping Sandro Pertile (left), and FIS race director for Nordic combined Lasse Ottesen (second left) speak at a press conference at the Holmenkollen press center regarding the cheating scandal involving the Norwegian ski jumping team, in Holmenkollen near Oslo, Norway, on March 13, 2025. Photo by Terje Bendiksby/NTB

By Yuni Utomo and Randy Ahmad

The Norwegian Ski Federation has officially terminated its working relationship with three members of its ski jumping team—head coach Magnus Brevig, assistant coach Thomas Lobben, and support staff member Adrian Livelten—following their alleged involvement in an equipment manipulation scandal that has rocked the sport. The decision, announced on Thursday, marks a significant development in an ongoing controversy that has drawn global scrutiny and prompted investigations from the International Ski Federation (FIS).

The terminations come after Brevig and Livelten were reportedly caught on hidden camera in early March modifying the competition suits of Norwegian ski jumpers in ways that may have breached FIS regulations. According to Norwegian media reports, the illicit adjustments were designed to enhance aerodynamic performance during jumps, potentially giving Norwegian athletes an illegal edge in competition.

Ski jumping suit manipulation scandal is now at the center of this controversy, as Norway, a dominant force in the sport, faces growing pressure to restore its reputation and uphold fair play in international competition.

Secret footage sparks international probe

The controversy erupted after hidden footage emerged showing Brevig and Livelten in a private room where they were allegedly cutting and altering the athletes' suits. These modifications reportedly violated FIS rules, which strictly govern suit size, material, and fit to ensure equity among competitors.

Following the footage leak, FIS promptly launched an investigation, leading to the provisional suspension of two of Norway’s top athletes: Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang. The two were barred from competition pending the outcome of the inquiry. On March 10, the Norwegian Ski Federation confirmed its belief that the equipment had been “deliberately manipulated in violation of FIS regulations in order to gain an advantage in the competition,” prompting the initial suspensions of Brevig and Livelten.

Ski jumping suit manipulation scandal has since become a defining headline in winter sports news, with widespread implications for the team and the sport's credibility.

Retirements and repercussions

The fallout from the ski jumping suit manipulation scandal has extended beyond staff terminations. Just one day after the suspension of Lindvik and Forfang, three additional Norwegian athletes were provisionally suspended. Among them was 35-year-old Robert Johansson, a former Olympic medalist and world record holder, who announced his retirement from the sport shortly thereafter.

Though Johansson did not explicitly link his retirement to the scandal, the timing of his announcement, amid ongoing investigations and public scrutiny, has fueled speculation about the broader impact of the scandal on Norwegian ski jumping.

Leadership response and legal statements

Secretary General of the Norwegian Ski Federation Ola Keul issued a statement on Thursday expressing the organization's commitment to integrity and transparency. “We have always made it clear that we take this case seriously,” said Keul. “After a thorough process, we have now reached an agreement to end our working relationship.”

The federation did not disclose whether any financial settlements were involved in the contract terminations, but emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of the team and the sport.

Magnus Brevig’s legal representative, Julie Høydal Davik, also issued a statement to AFP, saying, “Brevig is, given the circumstances, satisfied that an agreement has been reached regarding his contract, allowing the athletes to fully concentrate on their preparation for the Olympic season.”

Ski jumping equipment scandal further illustrates the gravity of the situation, particularly as preparations intensify for the next Winter Olympics.

Growing calls for reform in ski jumping regulations

This high-profile scandal has reignited debate over the strictness and enforcement of ski jumping equipment regulations. While rules are already stringent—down to the millimeter—recent events suggest that enforcement mechanisms may need to be strengthened to prevent future violations.

The use of modified suits is not a new concern in the sport. Athletes and coaches have long sought ways to optimize aerodynamics and flight efficiency within the rulebook. However, when those efforts cross into rule violations, they threaten the legitimacy of competition outcomes and the sport’s ethical foundation.

FIS has yet to announce the final outcome of its investigation, but the case has already prompted internal reviews within other national federations, signaling a wider reckoning in the sport.

Olympic implications and the path forward

With the Winter Olympics approaching, the ski jumping suit manipulation scandal casts a long shadow over Team Norway’s preparations. Suspensions, retirements, and staff departures have disrupted team dynamics and training routines, raising questions about how the athletes will regroup and perform under increased scrutiny.

Norwegian officials have reiterated their commitment to compliance with international rules and to rebuilding trust both at home and abroad. The federation's leadership has emphasized that while the current crisis is deeply regrettable, it also provides an opportunity to reinforce values of fairness and transparency.

This moment could serve as a turning point not just for Norwegian ski jumping, but for the sport as a whole. The visibility of the ski jumping suit manipulation scandal may ultimately lead to stronger regulatory enforcement, clearer guidelines, and a renewed global commitment to clean competition.

Athlete development and national image at stake

Norway’s legacy in ski jumping is one of the most storied in the world. The nation has produced countless Olympic and world champions and has served as a global leader in the sport’s development. However, the ski jumping equipment scandal now threatens to overshadow decades of sporting achievement.

With emerging talents in the national pipeline and a loyal fan base, Norway still has an opportunity to recover from this setback. Restoring public trust and reinforcing ethical standards will be essential not only for the current crop of athletes but for the generations to come.

In the coming months, the focus will likely shift toward rebuilding—both reputationally and operationally—as the team prepares for major international events. The outcome of the FIS investigation will play a pivotal role in shaping that future.

For now, the Norwegian Ski Federation’s decision to part ways with the implicated staff represents a first step in confronting a scandal that has shaken the foundations of the sport. As the story continues to unfold, the world will be watching to see how Norway navigates the road to redemption.

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