Material controls are playing an increasingly important role in ski jumping. In this context, an article in Germany has apparently caused a particular stir, as Halvor Egner Granerud reveals.
The search for every centimeter and millimeter has a long tradition in ski jumping – and is being controlled more strictly than ever before this season.
During the Four Hills Tournament, several athletes were disqualified because their suits were minimally too large. A report from Bild caused particular attention in this context, pointing out that the jumpers’ penises could also play a role.
Halvor Egner Granerud participates in the Four Hills Tournament
The background is that every athlete was measured with the help of a 3D scanner before the season to determine the so-called crotch measurement. This is taken at the lowest point in the genital area and serves as the basis for the suit size.
Meaning: If it is possible to shift this point downwards, more suit surface area is created – which can bring aerodynamic advantages. According to the report, some jumpers even had their penises inflated before the measurement for a few extra millimeters of fabric.
Ski Jumping Star Irritated by Penis Report
When asked about the report, Norwegian ski jumper Halvor Egner Granerud appeared visibly irritated. “Rune Velta (head coach) came into the changing room before qualification and said: ‘You have to be prepared for questions about penis injections.’ I have to admit I thought it was a joke,” Granerud told Dagbladet . “That’s completely absurd to me. When Rune Velta talked about it before qualification, I was sure he was joking.”
Granerud further elaborated: “My penis is very rarely measured. Actually, I’ve only done it myself. I assume that the speculations refer to the body scan before the season. And that’s true: it’s better to be well-warmed than to measure something cold. That can certainly play a role.” With this, he indicated that there might be at least a kernel of truth to the reports.
However, the body scan involves whole centimeters and not millimeters, which puts the matter into perspective. “An avatar is created, and the scanner then sets a point where it assumes the crotch to be. Basically, the size shouldn’t matter – but of course, it does,” Granerud explained, adding restrictively: “It still sounds a bit exaggerated.”