Japanese ski jumper Sara Takanashi responds after outfit controversy ‘destroys’ Winter Olympic dream

Japanese ski jumper Sara Takanashi has issued an emotional apology after she was disqualified for violating suit regulations at Beijing 2022.

Takanashi was one of five women ski jumpers disqualified for violating guidelines on the suits they wore while competing in the mixed-team ski jumping final on Monday.

Austria’s Daniela Iraschko-Stolz, Katharina Althaus of Germany, Norweigan duo Anna Odine Stroem and Silje Opseth as well as Takanashi were the jumpers penalised.

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“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.

The 25-year-old Takanashii had recorded a huge jump of 103 meters to give Japan a promising start as the mixed event debuted at the Beijing Games.

“I am very sorry that the chance of winning a medal has been taken away from the Japanese team,” said Takanashi in an heartfelt message on Instagram.

“It is an undeniable fact that my disqualification changed everyone’s lives. Even if I apologise 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.

Japan just missed out on a medal, finishing fourth at Zhangjiakou National Ski Jumping Centre. Slovenia won