On December 10, 2019 the International Ski Federation disqualified German, Stefan Luitz from his first World Cup win for inhaling from an oxygen tank.
Racing at an altitude of 10,340 feet, Luitz used the oxygen between giant slalom runs. The International Ski Federation prohibits using supplemental oxygen, even though the World Anti-Doping Agency does not.
Luitz was penalized his prize money of 45,000 Swiss francs ($46,000) and 100 World Cup points. The International Ski Federation stated that its hearing panel’s decision is “not a sanction, but a consequence of the rule violation.” Luitz can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This article was written with contributions from Tim Piscatelli.
