Ski jumping is game of inches: Winter Olympics start with penis doping scandal under spotlight

Not even ski jumping's rulebook had prepared for this plot twist.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has left the door open to an investigation after reports suggested some male ski jumpers may be injecting their penises in a bid to gain a competitive edge.

Yes - really.

In January, Bild reported that athletes were allegedly using hyaluronic acid injections before official measurements, increasing penis circumference by one or two centimetres. The substance itself is not banned, but the theory behind the practice raised eyebrows across the sport.

Why? Because in ski jumping, every centimetre counts.

According to FIS, a larger body profile could increase the surface area of a jumper's suit - and therefore lift.

"Every extra centimetre on a suit counts," explained men's race director Sandro Pertile. "A 5% increase in surface area means you fly further."

Asked about the unusual allegation at a press conference ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, WADA director general Olivier Niggli admitted surprise.

"I am not aware of the details of ski jumping, or how that could improve performance," he said. "But if anything were to emerge, we would look at whether it is doping-related."

The mood lightened when WADA president Witold Banka couldn't resist a joke.

"Ski jumping is very popular in Poland," he smiled. "So I promise you, I'm going to look at it."

FIS, however, poured cold water on the claims.

"There has never been any indication - let alone evidence - that any athlete has attempted to gain an advantage this way," said communications director Bruno Sassi.

Ski jumpers are measured before each season using 3D body scanners, wearing only tight elastic underwear. Suit dimensions are tightly regulated, including crotch height - which, for men, allows an additional three centimetres.

Hyaluronic acid injections can last up to 18 months, adding fuel to speculation, though no proof has emerged.

The sport is no stranger to controversy over suits. Last year, Norwegian Olympic medallists Marius Lindvik and Johann Andre Forfang served three-month bans after their team tampered with jumpsuits at the World Championships - an incident FIS said was an attempt to "cheat the system".

Both athletes are set to compete at the Winter Olympics, which begin Friday. The men's ski jumping competition starts Monday, under closer scrutiny than ever. And perhaps, with a tape measure nearby.