Viktoria Carl, on the right, is now even facing the end of her career. © ANSA / PETER KLAUNZER

Did she dope? Big fuss about German Olympic heroine

Olympic cross-country champion Victoria Carl is involved in a doping investigation. She now fears for her participation in the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy and the continuation of her successful career.

June 25, 2025

From: apa/dpa/sn

Carl tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. According to a statement from the German Ski Association (DSV), the National Anti-Doping Agency has initiated proceedings.

According to all those involved, the 29-year-old cross-country skier unknowingly ingested the substance and hopes for a differentiated case-by-case examination.

“I took the medication on doctor’s orders” Victoria Carl

"I was sick, had severe coughing fits, and took the medication on doctor's orders," Carl was quoted as saying by the German Ski Federation (DSV). She was apparently unaware that it contained a prohibited substance. According to the association, a German Army doctor administered the medication to the sports soldier to treat acute spastic bronchitis on March 26 after her final race at the Winter Military World Games in Andermatt.

Viktoria Carl won two Olympic medals in Beijing in 2022. © ANSA / VASSIL DONEV

Carl won Olympic gold in the team sprint three years ago in Beijing. She was also a member of the German relay team that won silver in China. If Carl were to be banned, this would effectively mean a ban on competing in the Olympics next year and thus a potential career end.