Extra insole — “That was stupid!” Norwegian frustration after disqualification

Anna Odine Strøm was disqualified in Garmisch-Partenkirchen after officials found an extra insole (a one-centimetre thick sole) inside her sock. Norwegian team staff say the insert was used for medical reasons — Strøm has a hip misalignment and the sole compensates for a leg-length difference — but they initially did not submit a medical certificate to the FIS, which made disqualification the only option without prior documentation.

Women’s head coach Christian Meyer told NRK: “That was stupid that we didn’t do that,” and said the team had assumed the measure would be accepted because it was medically motivated. The Norwegians submitted the required attestation only after the equipment control; it is now with the international federation for assessment.

FIS competition director Sandro Pertile underlined that, without prior medical confirmation, the rules allow only disqualification. Pertile added that officials had informed all coaches in late November in Falun that any additional technical equipment used by athletes must be declared and approved by the FIS.

Former ski flyer Johan Remen Evensen — who has previously admitted to doping/manipulation during his career and later worked as an NRK expert — said the added height could offer an aerodynamic or position advantage: “The higher you stand on the boot, the lower you can wear the suit and the lower the crotch sits. One centimetre less crotch than usual is a big advantage,” he said; he also suggested Strøm could have lowered the other foot as an alternative.

Strøm, third overall in the World Cup standings entering the New Year, had finished 11th in Garmisch on New Year’s Day. In the Olympic season she has already won a World Cup event in Wisła and stood on three consecutive podiums before the Two-Nights Tour. At the home World Championships in Trondheim earlier this season she won team and mixed-team gold and an individual bronze on the normal hill.

The case has reignited scrutiny around equipment rules and previous controversies surrounding suits and possible manipulations. The FIS will now review the submitted medical attestation to determine whether the disqualification stands or can be overturned.