Cross-country skier Victoria Carl is not allowed to compete in the World Cup in the 2025/26 season after her positive doping test. As a result, she also misses the Olympic Games. Participation is “excluded based on the current status of the proceedings,” said the German Ski Association. An official verdict from the National Anti-Doping Agency is still pending a few days before the start of the World Cup season.
In June it was announced that cross-country skiing star Victoria Carl tested positive for the banned doping drug Clenbuterol. The banned substance is said to have been in a cough syrup that a Bundeswehr doctor prescribed to the Thuringian woman in March.
End of season and Olympics
Carl and the German Ski Association (DSV) had hoped for a mild verdict at the time, but now there is a first update from the ongoing sports law proceedings. “Due to suspicion of a doping violation, the athlete remains temporarily excluded from training and competition. According to the current status of the proceedings, participation in the upcoming competition winter and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina is excluded“, says a statement from the DSV on Tuesday.
For team Olympic champion Carl, the preliminary decision is a big setback: “It was already a very hard time, during which I always hoped that everything could turn out well. It is still difficult for me to accept that carelessness and incorrect medical treatment will now lead to my Olympic dream being shattered.“
Doctor takes responsibility
In a current press release, the DSV provides insight into the status of the proceedings: “The treating doctor confirmed the medical prescription for the medication and assumed responsibility in this regard. The sports law assessment now focuses on the question of whether and to what extent the athlete was obliged to check this regulation with regard to the doping regulations.“
Carl himself hopes above all for a timely verdict “at least a realistic sequel” her career and remains confident: “I will continue to train with full motivation in the coming months and try to keep myself in the best possible shape.“
The season starts on Friday without Carl
While Carl waits for the final verdict, her teammates start the Olympic season in Ruka on Friday. She doesn’t want to comment on the process for the time being – out of consideration for the team: “Because I don’t want this to affect the reporting on the sporting achievements of my teammates.”