Olympic Athletes Disqualified Due to a Banned Substance
Three athletes were disqualified from competing in the 2026 Olympics due to a substance found on their equipment. Japanese snowboarder Masaki Shiba and two skiers from South Korea had used wax on their boards and skis that contained PFAS, known familiarly as the “forever chemical.” This chemical can help snowboards and skis glide down the slopes and half pipes faster.
Shiba had used the same board, same wax in previous competitions but was called out after his parallel giant slalom at the Winter Games. He said he had no idea the wax contained the substance.
What are the Risks of PFA Exposure?
This substance seems to be everywhere: microwave popcorn bags, water-repellent clothing, dental floss, and nonstick frying pans. Researchers have found them at ski resorts and in the snow. It stays on the slopes and ends up in the soil beneath the snow. The long-term health consequences of PFA exposure can lead to prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
In 2023, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation banned its use. Because of the growing concern about PFA exposure, top competitions started testing for it, and the 2026 Olympics agreed to ban it. But have the manufacturers who make wax and the athletes who use the wax caught up with the new rule? We’ll report as we learn more.
Which Brands are PFAs-free?
You'd have to get a third-party to test it, but these companies claim to be PFAs-free.
- Board Budder
- Black Diamond
- Swix
- mountainFLOW eco-wax
- Toko