Pablo Torre Finds Out Battle of the Bulge: We Expose a Crotch Conspiracy Rocking the Olympics
Jan 20, 2026
Matthew Futterman, an investigative sports reporter at The Athletic, and Erik Rune Sandøy, a former ski-jumping competitor, delve into a shocking equipment scandal rocking Olympic ski jumping. They discuss how tiny advantages in suit design can lead to massive performance gains. Erik shares insights on Norway's cultural connection to the sport and the national shame faced during the scandal's exposure. The hosts reveal behind-the-scenes footage showing suit alterations and explore the ethical ramifications, drawing parallels to infamous sports controversies like Deflategate.
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Small Aerodynamic Edges Decide Jumps
- Ski jumping performance hinges on tiny aerodynamic edges like suit fit and fabric lift.
- A 1% change in drag or lift can shift jump length by over a meter, so equipment tweaks matter enormously.
360° Body Scans Govern Suit Size
- FIS uses 3D body scans and strict measurements to regulate suit size down to centimeters.
- Lasse Utzin demonstrates the invasive process with a rotating 3D scan and crotch-area checks before competitions.
Whistleblower Caught Late-Night Alterations
- A whistleblower video showed Norwegian staff sewing reinforced foam into the crotch of jumpsuits late at night.
- The footage captured the equipment manager and head coach altering suits after official measurements had been taken.