Key Highlights
- The Winter Olympics have seen a series of wardrobe malfunctions, from ‘penis-gate’ to ‘boob-gate.’
- These incidents highlight the pressure athletes face in ensuring their gear performs flawlessly.
- Athletes often use innovative solutions to enhance performance or protect themselves.
The Nipple Slips and Boobs of Winter Sports
When the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics kicked off, one of the most discussed topics wasn’t the skiing prowess but “penis-gate.” It turned out that ski jumpers were injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises before being measured for their suits. This practice aimed to ensure they had an extra edge in performance by altering their measurements. The revelation was a significant departure from the traditional image of winter sports, which has long been associated with grace and athleticism.
But “penis-gate” was just one in a series of wardrobe malfunctions that have become almost as much a part of Winter Olympics lore as the athletes themselves.
Take Chemmy Alcott’s “Boob-gate,” for example. In 2010, during the Vancouver Games, she wore an oversized synthetic chest plate designed to protect her ribs but also gave her a noticeable boost in bust size. Despite wearing it on doctor’s orders and competing with broken ribs, officials banned her from using it as it interfered with aerodynamics.
The Nipple Slips: A Common Malfunction
Nipple slips are perhaps the most notorious wardrobe malfunctions in Winter Olympics history. Perhaps the most memorable was Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron’s incident during the 2018 PyeongChang Games. During their routine, Papadakis’s top accidentally loosened due to a gust of wind, revealing her nipple. This mishap not only caused a wardrobe malfunction but also resulted in a deduction of points for the French duo.
Red Carpet Faux Pas: Vonn’s Windy Dress
Lindsey Vonn, a five-time Olympian and former downhill skier, faced an embarrassment on the red carpet during the ESPYs. Despite her glamorous full-length gown with a split running up the leg, a sudden gust of wind caught it, revealing more than she intended. The five-time Olympian quickly changed into a sparkling silver outfit to mitigate the situation.
Unzipping for Air: Graf’s Unintentional Strip
Russian speed skater Olga Graf once unzipped her skin suit after winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Games. This was purely an accident, as she simply wanted to breathe more freely. Graf quickly zipped up her suit but only after realizing that this moment would likely be captured on YouTube.
Partner’s Quick Thinking Averts Disaster
In another close call at the current Milan Cortina Games, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction during their Ice Dance performance. During a high-intensity section, part of Poirier’s outfit caught in Gilles’ tights. But Gilles acted swiftly to prevent any points from being deducted by repositioning her partner’s clothing behind her back.
These incidents highlight the challenges athletes face in balancing performance and safety with the practicalities of winter sports attire. While they may seem trivial, these wardrobe malfunctions often have significant implications for the athletes’ performances and reputations.
