Two South Korean cross-country skiers have been disqualified from the Winter Olympics after tests revealed banned fluorinated wax on their equipment, highlighting a significant rules violation at the Milan-Cortina Games. Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin were removed from the women’s classic sprint qualification round when their skis tested positive for fluor, a substance prohibited by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) since the 2023-24 season due to its performance-enhancing properties and environmental hazards.
The disqualification occurred on February 10, 2026, during the Winter Olympics in Italy, where officials from FIS announced the decision after routine equipment checks. Fluorinated wax, originally developed for sailboats to improve glide, has been used in skiing since the 1980s but is now banned because it can provide a competitive advantage by reducing friction on snow. The FIS emphasized that the rule is strictly enforced to maintain fair play, and this incident marks one of the first major disqualifications under the updated regulations.
Han and Lee, ranked 157th and 158th in the World Cup respectively, were not considered medal contenders, but their exclusion underscores the heightened scrutiny on equipment compliance at elite events. The wax in question, known as fluor, is a ‘forever chemical’ that does not biodegrade and has been linked to health issues, prompting FIS to phase it out over environmental and safety concerns. This ban aligns with broader efforts in winter sports to reduce the use of harmful substances, reflecting a shift toward sustainability in athletics.
The South Korean team has acknowledged the disqualification but has not yet issued a detailed statement, while FIS officials confirmed that the athletes’ samples were analyzed promptly after the competition. This event follows similar controversies in past Olympics, where wax usage has sparked debates over technology and fairness, though it is rare for skiers to be disqualified on these grounds. The incident may prompt further reviews of equipment protocols by national federations to prevent future violations.
Looking ahead, the disqualification could impact South Korea’s standing in cross-country skiing at the Games, though the pair’s absence is unlikely to alter medal outcomes significantly. FIS plans to continue rigorous testing throughout the Olympics, ensuring that all athletes adhere to the banned substances list. For Han and Lee, the focus may shift to potential appeals or reflections on their preparation, as such infractions can affect future eligibility and team dynamics.
In conclusion, this case serves as a reminder of the evolving standards in winter sports, where environmental and ethical considerations are increasingly intertwined with competition rules. As the Milan-Cortina Olympics progress, officials and athletes alike will likely emphasize cleaner, fairer practices to uphold the spirit of the Games.
