Cross-country skiing national coach Peter Schlickenrieder expects Victoria Carl to be banned from doping at least until the Olympic Games.
“I think it’s clear to everyone that she has no intention of doping. But other people’s mistakes or ignorance do not protect against punishment. That’s why we clearly expect that she will miss the Olympics.”said Schlickenrieder.
Olympic champion Carl (30) tested positive for the drug clenbuterol during a doping control at the end of March. The substance is said to have been contained in a cough syrup that was prescribed to Carl after the end of the World Military Games season.
Schlickenrieder: “This is tragic for Victoria”
A verdict is still pending. “I think it’s dragging on so long because it’s not an easy case”said Schlickenrieder: “But at the end of the day there are facts that no one can ignore. That’s tragic for Victoria. A childhood dream is shattered, it looks like.”
According to the German Ski Association, the drug was medically prescribed and administered by a Bundeswehr doctor. However, negligent taking can also result in a ban.
Medal candidate at the Olympics
With Carl the athlete will be missed, “who could most likely have won an individual medal. Of course I feel sorry for someone who loves cross-country skiing so much and lives the way she does. Of course we try to motivate her over the phone or set this long-term goal – the 2030 Olympics, you can do that. And then I would like to see you leave the field as an Olympic champion.”said Schlickenrieder.
Carl surprisingly won gold in the team sprint together with Katharina Hennig in Beijing in 2022; last season she took second place in the overall World Cup.