Interest around manipulated suits
Ski jumping star resigns to the World Cup scandal
May 20, 2025 – 10:49 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Robert Johansson won gold medals, flew more than 250 meters and became known with an iconic mustache. But now his career has come to an end.
Robert Johansson ended his active career. The Norwegian ski jumper declared his resignation around ten weeks after the World Cup scandal around manipulated suits-regardless of the events at that time. Compared to the broadcaster TV2, the 33-year-old emphasized that the decision had been made before the incidents at the World Cup in Trondheim. “I am looking forward to what life has to offer next,” said Johansson.
Johansson was temporarily suspended in March, shortly before the start of the RAW-Air tour. Marius Lindvik and Johann André Forfang had previously been blocked at the World Cup. In the controversial competition, Johansson was the only Norwegian to be spared a disqualification. Nevertheless, he was later sanctioned. The lock prevented its farewell to do the traditional competitions in Oslo, Vikersund, Lahti and Planica. This end was “100 percent bitter” – he “didn’t deserve it,” said Johansson. Not ending the career as planned is “hard”.
To date, Johansson has received no explanation from the World Association FIS. The examination of the ethics and compliance offices continues. He has always rejected a participation in the manipulation scandal. After releasing video recordings, Norway’s sports director Jan-Erik Aalbu had admitted that there were manipulations on the suits of Lindvik and Forfang. Neither Johansson nor the affected athletes were informed.
In terms of sport, the Norwegian looks back on a successful career. In 2018 he won the Olympic Gold team, in 2021 he became vice world champion in Oberstdorf on the Großchanze. He celebrated three individual victories in the World Cup. His early ski flight world record also remained unforgettable: in 2017 he jumped 252.0 meters-a record that was surpassed by Stefan Kraft just 30 minutes later.
Johansson was not only known for his jumps, but also for his striking appearance – especially his twirled mustache, who brought him international attention.