The article explores serious allegations that the USA ski team's support staff may have violated rules by applying speed skating wax to Olympic silver medalist Ben Ogden's skis during sprint heats at a recent competition. Finnish waxing chief Heikki Tonteri shared a photo of a bottle that he believes was present in the USA's area during the event, adding credibility to the claims of foul play.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) responded to these allegations by stating that the bottle in question contained hand sanitizer. However, Iltalehti conducted inquiries with multiple Finnish ski experts, who suggested that the contents of the bottle do not seem consistent with that of a typical hand sanitizer. One unnamed expert remarked that the bottle appeared to resemble a commercial testing version of speed skating wax, leading to further speculation about the USA's practices.

As the investigation unfolds, this situation raises significant questions about the integrity of the sport and ethics in competitive skiing. The implications of these allegations could affect not only the US team’s reputation but also the broader perceptions of fairness and anti-doping measures within the international skiing community. Stakeholders are closely watching this development, as any confirmed misconduct could lead to sanctions and a reevaluation of rules governing equipment preparation in skiing competitions.