2026 Olympics | Cross-country skiing: Norway and the United States are targeted
In cross-country skiing, there are clear rules governing the adjustments permitted on skis during the sprint finals, as well as the equipment and products that may be used. However, on Thursday, rumours circulated that Norway, double medallists in the men’s event, had used a waxing tool that the other nations considered to be prohibited.
In the afternoon, race director Michael Lamplot confirmed this to NRK. “Norway has done nothing wrong. They asked for and received authorisation. The only mistake was mine”, Lamplot admitted. A message that the Norwegian clan validated. “We can adjust the grip between the sprint heats. This has to be done in the waxing zone. In order not to take the skis out of this zone, we have complied with what is allowed in there”, explained the Norwegian waxing manager, Tord Hegdahl.
“It won’t happen againLeann Bentley
At the same time, another case came to light. A bottle of liquid was observed and photographed on the waxing table in the United States. However, according to the rules, it is forbidden to bring any type of liquid into the waxing area. The race director admitted that he hadn’t noticed: “We missed it. We have to be honest about it. It’s a very busy area and mistakes can happen.
An offence that the Americans fully accept. They indicate that the bottle contained a solvent, but claim that the product was only used to clean their hands. ” Competing fairly and respecting the rules are fundamental values for our team, and this will not happen again,” wrote Leann Bentley, press officer for the US team.
When NRK asked if there would be any consequences, Michael Lamplot replied: “The race took place two days ago and there will be no further consequences on our part.”
It was a choice that caused many athletes to react. Lauri Vuorinen, fourth in the sprint behind two Norwegians and an American, was the first to be affected. “This decision by the FIS is hurtful. Rules are established, then violations occur, and finally we move on as if nothing had happened,” lamented the Finnish cross-country skier. I’m not asking for a medal for myself or anyone else, but I am demanding action from the FIS.
