After a positive doping test
German Olympic champion banned for 18 months
April 2, 2026 – 1:34 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Almost a year ago, Victoria Carl was suspended for a positive doping test. However, the exact length of the barrier was not clear. That has now changed.
Cross-country skier Victoria Carl has been banned for a total of 18 months after a positive doping test. This was announced by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). The ban lasts until November 25, 2026 because the provisional suspension that took place in May 2025 is taken into account.
Carl tested positive for the active ingredient clenbuterol in a sample during the Military World Cup at the end of the 2024/25 season. Carl and the DSV stated that the active ingredient was contained in a cough syrup that a military doctor had administered to the athlete. There was no intention to deceive.
DSV board member Stefan Schwarzbach now commented on the verdict as follows: “We take note of the arbitration award and rate it as understandable and overall balanced. The finding of insignificant fault and the associated reduction in the ban is particularly positive.” This brings with it “the hope that a return to international competition will be possible for the coming winter season. Accordingly, we will continue to monitor the further course closely and responsibly and coordinate with the athlete.”
The 30-year-old had missed the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan because of the suspension. At the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, Carl won gold in the team sprint with Katharina Hennig Dotzler and silver in the relay.
“The verdict is not yet final,” said NADA. Carl, NADA, the world associations Fis and CISM (International Military Sports Federation) as well as the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) can appeal to the international sports court CAS.
