“It will be a painful phase”
National coach expects DSV star to be banned from the Olympics
October 30, 2025 – 7:51 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
Victoria Carl tested positive for doping in the spring. She denies any intention behind it, but she is still threatened with a ban.
Hopes for Victoria Carl to take part in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are dwindling. National coach Peter Schlickenrieder assumes that the cross-country skier will be banned – and only sees a real chance at the Olympics again in 2030.
“I’m afraid it will be another painful phase for Vicky. At the moment, the only safe target we can probably set is 2030,” said Schlickenrieder on the sidelines of the DSV dressing in Nuremberg. He emphasized that there was no intentional doping. Nevertheless, the following applies: “The mistakes of others or ignorance do not protect against punishment.”
The case is particularly bitter from a sporting perspective: Carl is currently the athlete who “most likely could have won an individual medal”.
The 30-year-old tested positive for clenbuterol during a doping test in March – a substance banned in competitions. It is said to have been contained in a cough syrup that was prescribed to her by a doctor after the end of the World Military Games season. The case is still ongoing and a decision is expected in mid-November.
Schlickenrieder sees the long processing time as a certain positive sign: they are apparently checking meticulously and using comparable cases. At the same time, the coach also made it clear that the facts could not be ignored.
Schlickenrieder is still relying on Carl for the future – and is optimistic about the Games in five years: “Vicky, we’ll be Olympic champions and then you’ll leave the stage as a great cross-country skier.” The Thuringian is an athlete with great passion and motivation. Assuming health, a comeback at the highest level is realistic. Currently, however, it is “far away from what would be feasible”.