Cross-country skier Victoria Carl is not currently allowed to train with the German team or take part in competitions after a positive doping test. Now the Olympic champion has broken his silence – and given an insight into his mental state.
German cross-country skier Victoria Carl is speaking out again for the first time after her positive doping test became known in June. “I recently withdrew from social media to protect my mental health,” Carl wrote on Instagram. “But today I feel strong enough to let you participate in my life.”
Carl was found to have the active ingredient clenbuterol in doping samples from late March. According to the athlete and the German Ski Association, the active ingredient comes from a medically prescribed cough syrup administered by Bundeswehr doctors. The 2022 Olympic team sprint champion is currently not allowed to train with the German team or take part in competitions. However, a verdict is still pending three weeks before the start of the Olympic season.
“There were days I wanted to give up. And there were days when the sun shone a little brighter,” Carl wrote of his mental state. “I have been through tough times and still have tough times ahead of me.” Carl did not comment on the positive doping test.
In the worst case, Carl could be banned for several years
He was threatened with the end of the Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo (February 6-22) – in the worst case even a ban lasting several years if (partial) misconduct was found. National coach Peter Schlickenrieder also recently commented on his protégé’s situation.
“Vici has been training alone for months and without the support of a training group. Add to that the waiting and the feeling of complete isolation and the world is collapsing,” Schlickenrieder told the media group “Münchner Merkur/tz”: “Of course it was draining and certainly had an impact on performance.”
Carl had the best season of his career in the winter of 2024/25 as second overall in the World Cup.
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