Mowinckel of Norway is the first skier to be disqualified due to a new rule prohibiting the use of fluorinated wax.
After years of discussion on the possible health and environmental effects of fluorinated wax, FIS prohibited the chemical from its events. Mowinckel told Norwegian network TV 2, “We need to find out what happened. We are not trying to cheat, because that is the worst thing for me.”
Ragnhild Mowinckel of Norway, who was disqualified for using an illegal type of wax on her skis, sobbed as she exited the finish area of the women’s World Cup event on Saturday, the first of the season.
Mowinckel, the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics silver medallist twice, had placed sixth after the first leg of the giant slalom when her skis failed the required post-run test, excluding her from the competition.
Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland took first position in the event, with Mikaela Shiffrin coming in sixth.
This season, there is a rule prohibiting using fluorinated wax to prepare skis for competition.
Following years of discussion on the possible harm fluorinated wax might have to the environment and human health, FIS prohibited the material from its events.
“We need to ascertain what transpired. We’re not attempting to cheat because, in my opinion, it would be the worst thing, Mowinckel said to TV 2 in Norway.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s women’s race director, Peter Gerdol, stated that following both runs, all skis were inspected for the prohibited material.
The jury was left with no choice but to disqualify the athlete because this was the only ski that displayed a high value—much higher than the required minimum—Gerdol said.
Head, Mowinckel’s equipment provider, was shocked by the choice.
“The worst situation has occurred. “We have no explanation at all,” stated Rainer Salzgeber, head of racing.
According to Salzgeber, Mowinckel’s ski technician had her skis evaluated two days prior by FIS inspectors “with the exact same preparation,” and “everything was green.” It is now a deep red color.
Ski technicians have been using fluorinated wax for many years, both in cross-country and Alpine skiing. Since it forms a covering that deters moisture and dirt, it’s thought to speed up the making of skis. Consequently, there is less friction between the ski’s bottom and the snow, allowing for an increase in speed.