Austria’s Daniela Iraschko-Stolz, Katharina Althaus of Germany, Norweigan duo Anna Odine Stroem and Silje Opseth as well as Takanashi were the jumpers penalized.
“The used suits that led to the disqualifications were too big and offered an aerodynamic advantage to the athlete,” said the International Ski Federation (FIS) in a statement sent to CNN.
“It is an undeniable fact that my disqualification changed everyone’s lives. Even if I apologize the medal will not be returned.”
According to the FIS guidelines: “An athlete may only take part in a FIS Competition with equipment which conforms to the FIS regulations.
“The equipment is checked during a competition on a random basis. If it does not meet the requirements it results in a disqualification of the athlete. An athlete is responsible for the equipment he uses.”
Takanashi was disqualified as her suit was two centimeters wider than permitted around her thighs, according to Reuters.
‘No official protest by a team’
While Takanashi apologized, Germany’s Althaus, who won a silver medal in the individual event, was more critical of her disqualification.
“I have been checked so many times in 11 years of ski jumping, and I have never been disqualified once. I know my suit was compliant.”
In a statement sent to CNN, the FIS said that all nations were checked during competition, and that “in order to guarantee fairness and equal opportunities during the Olympic Games, the controls during the Olympic competitions are very precise and are carried out by two controllers (usually one person).
“During these controls, five athletes were disqualified for using suits that did not comply with the rules,” it said. “The suits used were produced exclusively for the Olympic Games and were therefore not previously tested by the FIS EC.
“A test of the suits had been offered by the FIS competition management to all teams before the competitions.
“Only a few teams took this opportunity (For example Daniela Haralambie from Romania).There was no official protest by a team against any of the disqualifications.”
Japan’s National Olympic Committee did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.
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