In pursuit of Olympic gold, professional athletes often make sacrifices that seem unimaginable to most people. But do these efforts go as far as ski jumpers injecting their genitals with hyaluronic acid to fly further?
This is the question that World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)) is expected to investigate, after the shocking allegations first emerged in the German newspaper Bild, in a story that has now been dubbed "Penisgate."
According to "Bild", some athletes are suspected of injecting hyaluronic acid into their genitals to manipulate the measurement process for dance costumes, which are very strictly regulated to prevent any unfair aerodynamic advantage.
While the results of the investigation are still awaited, several other questions arise: why would a ski jumper intervene in this way in his body, is this practice safe, and what does genital size have to do with aerodynamics?
What does hyaluronic acid injection into the genitals do?
Hyaluronic acid is a filler widely used in cosmetic surgery and, according to Professor Eric Chung, a urological surgeon, it is also used in procedures to increase the circumference of the genital organ.
Injecting hyaluronic acid would make the genitals thicker, but a significant amount of the material would be needed for a noticeable effect, explains Chung, who previously chaired the andrology advisory group at the Urological Association of Australia and New Zealand.
The effect of hyaluronic acid is temporary and requires reapplication every six to twelve months, depending on how the body absorbs it or how the particles migrate, he adds.
How does genital size affect ski jumping?
Before the start of the season, ski jumpers must have their body measured for the production of the suit, based on body length, including hip height. These measurements are performed with a 3D scanner approved by the FIS, in the presence of a doctor, with the athletes wearing only underwear and with very specific requirements for body posture.
The dimensions of the suit are strictly regulated because its overall size has a major impact on the amount of aerodynamic lift that can be generated, which allows for longer jumps, explains Associate Professor Dan Dwyer from Deakin University.
Artificially augmenting the genitalia with hyaluronic acid could give the athlete an advantage during the standard measurement process, as the recorded body dimensions would be larger than under normal conditions. This, according to Dwyer, would allow the athlete to use a slightly larger suit.
"This slightly larger suit has a larger surface area and can generate a small additional amount of aerodynamic lift," he explains.
The director of men's competitions at the International Ski Federation (FIS), Sandro Pertile, emphasizes that every detail matters.
"Every extra inch of space in your suit is valuable. If your suit has 5 percent more surface area, you fly farther. It's a very competitive sport and everyone is at the limit of the rules because everyone wants to win."
What are the health risks?
Professor Chung warns that injecting hyaluronic acid into the genitals carries serious risks, both short-term and long-term.
Incorrect injection technique or incorrect dosage can cause pain, aesthetic problems and deformities, infections, inflammation, changes in sensitivity, and sexual function disorders.
In rare cases, the infection can spread further and cause gangrene, tissue necrosis, and even loss of the genital organ.Telegrafi
