Victoria Carl Receives 18-Month Doping Ban, Future Uncertain

Berlin – Olympic cross-country skiing champion Victoria Carl of Germany has been handed an 18-month suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) following a positive drug test, the organization announced Thursday. The 30-year-old Carl tested positive for clenbuterol, a banned anabolic substance, during an out-of-competition control in the spring of 2025. The ban extends until November 25, 2026, taking into account a provisional suspension that began last spring. This ruling effectively sidelined Carl from competing in the recent Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics, but opens the possibility of a return for the 2026/27 World Championship season.

The case centers around a cough medication prescribed to Carl by a doctor with the German army. Carl maintains she was unaware the syrup contained clenbuterol, a substance primarily used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma. She stated she fully disclosed her medication to authorities, but was not aware of the prohibited ingredient. The initial positive test came after her final race at the Military World Games in March 2025, as reported by the German Ski Association.

Appeal Possible at Court of Arbitration for Sport

Both Carl and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as the International Ski Federation (FIS), have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The ruling is not yet final. NADA initially proposed a two-year ban last September, but the parties reached a case resolution agreement that was subsequently objected to by WADA, leading to the case being settled through the German Sports Arbitration Court (DIS).

This isn’t the first time the circumstances surrounding Carl’s positive test have been scrutinized. The German Ski Association initially suggested the incident was an isolated case stemming from organizational and medical errors, not intentional deception. The army’s medical service confirmed Carl was mistakenly given a combination drug, Spasmo Mucosolvan, containing clenbuterol instead of a version with only ambroxol.

Impact on the German Team and Carl’s Career

Carl’s absence was keenly felt at the Milan/Cortina Olympics. The German team, without the 2022 Beijing Olympic team sprint gold medalist, saw Coletta Rydzek and Laura Gimmler secure a bronze medal in the team sprint event. Carl’s 2022 Olympic success, which also included a silver medal in the team relay, highlighted her importance to the German squad.

Despite the suspension, Carl remained engaged with the team, participating via video link before the Winter Games. German team coach Peter Schlickenrieder praised Carl’s resilience and motivation, noting her ability to set goals and persevere through adversity. “It is fascinating how intrinsically motivated she is,” Schlickenrieder said during the season’s peak. “You can only doff your hat and be inspired by the fact that you don’t let setbacks defeat you.”

The situation underscores the complexities of inadvertent doping cases, where athletes can test positive due to contaminated medications or medical errors. Clenbuterol, while sometimes used legitimately for respiratory issues in livestock, is prohibited for athletes due to its performance-enhancing properties.

What’s Next for Victoria Carl?

With the 18-month ban set to conclude in late November 2026, Carl’s focus is now on preparing for a potential return to competition during the 2026/27 World Championship season, which will be held in Falun, Sweden. However, the possibility of an appeal by WADA could prolong the uncertainty surrounding her future. The outcome of any appeal will determine whether Carl can resume her career at the highest level of cross-country skiing.

The case also raises broader questions about the responsibility of team doctors and medical staff to ensure athletes are not inadvertently exposed to banned substances. The German army’s acknowledgement of the error in Carl’s case highlights the necessitate for rigorous protocols and quality control in the administration of medications to athletes.

For now, Carl continues to train, maintaining her fitness and determination despite the challenges. Her story serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between athletic performance, medical treatment, and the strict regulations governing anti-doping efforts in international sport.

The next major event for the international cross-country skiing community is the upcoming World Championships in Falun, Sweden, in the 2026/27 season. Whether Carl will be able to participate remains to be seen, pending the outcome of any appeals.

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