Olympic Athletes Disqualified Over ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Ski Wax: A New Era of Environmental Responsibility in Sports

The article features a striking image of Japanese snowboarder Masaki Shiba, clad in dark blue gear, gracefully sweeping past a pink flag adorned with the Olympic rings on his snowboard. The caption explains that Shiba was one of the three athletes disqualified, and he stated he was aware of the ban and believed his equipment complied. During the recent Winter Games, Japanese snowboarder Masaki Shiba completed his initial high-speed run in the parallel giant slalom, only to face an unexpected disqualification. This wasn’t due to a false start or a doping violation. Instead, his snowboard revealed traces of PFAS, commonly known as ‘forever chemicals.’ These substances are prohibited at this year’s Winter Olympics, marking the first time such a ban has been enforced due to their harmful impact on both the environment and human health. Shiba, along with two South Korean skiers, became the first athletes disqualified under this new regulation within the past week. The rule targets ski wax containing these chemicals, valued for their moisture-wicking qualities that enhance speed on snow. The snowboarder expressed his disbelief, stating that he was fully aware of the ban, which has been implemented across other elite sporting events, and genuinely believed his equipment met the compliance standards. He shared on his social media that he had used the ‘same board and same wax’ in previous competitions without ever testing positive. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a category of chemicals characterized by robust carbon-fluorine bonds, granting them exceptional resistance to water, dirt, heat, and oil. This unique durability leads to their widespread use in countless everyday products, from microwave popcorn bags and water-repellent clothing to stain-resistant carpets, cosmetics, dental floss, nonstick cookware, and, notably, ski wax. The concern arises from the fact that exposure to PFAS can severely impact the liver and immune system. These chemicals have also been associated with adverse health outcomes such as low birth weight, birth defects, developmental delays, and a heightened risk of certain cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular. Once introduced into the environment, PFAS are highly mobile, spreading through water and air, and critically, they do not naturally degrade. This persistence has earned them the ominous moniker ‘forever chemicals,’ capable of contaminating soil, drinking water, and eventually entering the food chain through crops and livestock. Studies have revealed elevated PFAS concentrations in the soil of various ski areas, including family resorts, slopes, and cross-country trails, particularly after competitive events. Recognizing the growing public health and environmental concerns, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation took a significant step in 2023 by prohibiting PFAS-containing ski wax. Following this, major competitions started implementing tests for PFAS on ski and snowboard equipment. The 2026 Winter Olympics has now adopted this crucial rule for the first time. On the second day of the Games, Shiba’s Olympic journey, likely his last at 39, came to an abrupt end with his disqualification. Two days later, South Korean skiers Lee Eui-jin (24) and Han Da-som (31) were also disqualified after the women’s sprint classic qualifier. Official records confirm that in all three instances, their scores were invalidated due to the presence of PFAS-containing fluorinated wax. Reports from South Korean news outlets indicate the Korean Olympic Committee attributed the positive tests to a supplier error. Hayashi Wax, Shiba’s wax manufacturer, issued a statement clarifying that a coach had inadvertently applied a different brand of wax to the athlete’s snowboard. Masako Hayashi, the company’s chief executive, firmly stated that it was ‘simply not true’ that PFAS had been detected in Hayashi Wax products. While the quantity of PFAS released into the environment from skis and snowboards is relatively small when compared to the vast amounts discharged from industrial factories, wastewater treatment facilities, and numerous other consumer products, it highlights a broader issue. Nevertheless, recent years have seen growing scrutiny on PFAS in sports and outdoor equipment, primarily due to their potential to transport these persistent chemicals to pristine, remote environments. A 2021 study, for instance, found PFAS on Mount Everest, suggesting contamination from climbers’ gear. For enthusiasts of recreational skiing and snowboarding, the Environmental Working Group, a prominent advocacy organization monitoring PFAS contamination, offers clear guidance: ensure professional equipment servicing utilizes PFAS-free wax, and if waxing yourself, always opt for products explicitly labeled ‘PFAS-free’.