Mowinckel of Norway Disqualified Due to Wax Ban, a First Under New Regulations

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In a highly emotional moment, Ragnhild Mowinckel of Norway was disqualified from the inaugural women’s World Cup skiing race this Saturday. She became the first athlete to be ruled out of competition for using a prohibited type of ski wax.

Mowinckel, who secured two Olympic silver medals during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games, had initially finished the first leg of the giant slalom at sixth position. However, she was subsequently removed from the competition when her skis did not pass the mandatory post-race inspection carried out by the officials of the International Ski Federation (FIS).

The race was ultimately clinched by Switzerland’s Lara Gut-Behrami, while American Mikaela Shiffrin took the sixth position.

A newly implemented rule this season explicitly prohibits the utilization of fluorinated waxes in the preparation of skis for competition. FIS has outlawed the substance in their sanctioned events, following extended discussions concerning its potential adverse impacts on both human health and the environment.

In an interview with Norwegian broadcaster TV 2, Mowinckel stated, “We must investigate the situation. The intention was never to cheat; that would be the most abhorrent act for me.”

Peter Gerdol, the women’s race director for the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, clarified that all skis were scrutinized for the banned substance following both legs of the race. “Mowinckel’s skis exhibited significantly high levels of the substance, far exceeding the minimum threshold. Thus, the jury had no alternative but to disqualify her,” he elaborated.

Head, the equipment provider for Mowinckel, expressed their bewilderment at the decision. Rainer Salzgeber, the Head race director, said, “This is the worst-case scenario, and we have no plausible explanation for it.” Salzgeber further mentioned that Mowinckel’s skis had undergone tests conducted by FIS officials just two days prior and had shown no signs of any banned substances. “Everything was in the clear then; now it’s a completely different story,” he added.

For years, fluorinated wax has been a staple in ski maintenance, used not only in Alpine skiing but also in cross-country disciplines. It is thought to enhance the speed of skis by creating a moisture- and dirt-repellent layer. This minimizes the friction between the ski and the snow, thereby allowing for increased velocity.

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Eric Willemsen can be followed on Twitter: https://twitter.com/eWilmedia

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More about Disqualification of Ragnhild Mowinckel

• FIS Official Announcement on Fluorinated Wax Ban
• Lara Gut-Behrami’s Career Highlights
• Environmental Impact of Fluorinated Wax
• Overview of World Cup Skiing Rules and Regulations
• Interview with Ragnhild Mowinckel on TV 2
• Head’s Official Statement on Mowinckel’s Disqualification