South Korean Skiers Disqualified from Olympics Over Banned Wax
A ban on fluorinated wax has led to the disqualification of two South Korean cross-country skiers, Han Dasom and Lee Eui-jin, from the women’s classic sprint at the Winter Olympics. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) confirmed that their skis tested positive for the prohibited substance on Tuesday.
The disqualification stems from the use of fluorinated wax, commonly known as fluor, which was banned in 2023 due to its detrimental impact on both the environment and human health. The athletes were removed from contention following testing during the qualification round.
The Korea Ski Association has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
A History of Fluorinated Wax in Skiing
According to the FIS, fluorinated wax initially gained prominence in sailboat racing in the late 1980s, prized for its ability to enhance glide. This technology was quickly adopted by the skiing world, where minimizing friction is equally critical for performance.
However, the benefits of fluor come with significant drawbacks. The substance is classified as a “forever chemical” because it does not biodegrade, persisting in the environment for extended periods. Furthermore, applying the wax—traditionally done with a hot iron—poses health risks to ski technicians, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces.
The FIS initially announced a ban on fluor in 2019, with the regulations fully enforced beginning in the 2023/2024 season. Skis are now routinely inspected in designated test areas, frequently located near the finish line of races, to ensure compliance.
Han and Lee, currently ranked 157th and 158th in the World Cup standings respectively, were considered unlikely medal contenders in Tuesday’s event. Despite this, the disqualification underscores the FIS’s commitment to enforcing the ban and maintaining fair competition.
The use of fluorinated wax highlights a growing concern within the sporting world regarding the environmental and health consequences of performance-enhancing technologies. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable practices and a commitment to athlete well-being.
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