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Flourinated waxes help skiers move faster. Here's why the Olympics banned them

05:36

Here & Now Newsroom

February 11, 2026

United States' River Radamus speeds down the course during an alpine ski, men's super-G race, at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Bormio, Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Gabriele Facciotti/AP)

Waxes containing "forever chemicals" have been banned from the Olympics, where skiers would typically use them to lubricate their skis to go downhill faster.

Tik Root, senior staff writer at Grist, speaks with Here & Now's Robin Young about why these waxes worked so well and how Winter Olympians are faring without them.

This segment aired on February 11, 2026.

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