The physics of Penisgate' and how ski jumpers fly

"In the run-up to this year's Winter Olympics, and even as the Games have got underway, a scandal has been brewing: allegedly, some competitive ski jumpers may have artificially enlarged their crotch area by injecting their genitals with engorging chemicals or stuffing their underwear to create bigger bulges. The apparent reason: to alter their suit measurementsski jumpsuits are precisely tailored to jumpers' bodiesand, reportedly, to gain a boost in jumps. The allegations, first reported by a German media outlet and since dubbed Penisgate, have caught not only the Internet's attention but also the World Anti-Doping Agency's eye, although no athletes have been implicated by name."

"Still the affair raises an important science question: How does a slight increase in a ski jumper's suit surface area actually change their jumping distance? Let's start with the crotch. According to rules issued by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the body that regulates ski jumping, crotch height measurements for an athlete's suit are taken by laser. So, in theory, if an athlete's crotch is temporarily a little larger, they would get a slightly roomier suit than they might otherwise."

"The extra fabric might be enough to minimally lengthen their jumps by providing a little more lift in the airmuch like the patagium of a flying squirreland, in turn, more distance. In a sport that's often decided by a matter of centimeters, any additional hang time can be the difference between gold and silver."

Allegations claim some ski jumpers may have artificially enlarged their crotch areas by injecting engorging chemicals or stuffing underwear to create bigger bulges. The motive appears to be altering suit measurements so jumpers receive slightly roomier suits. Crotch height measurements for suits are taken by laser under International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) rules. Extra fabric can increase suit surface area and produce additional aerodynamic lift, similar to the patagium of a flying squirrel, thereby minimally lengthening jumps. Small increases in hang time can change outcomes by centimeters. The World Anti-Doping Agency is reportedly monitoring the claims, and no athletes have been named.

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