Doping case Victoria Carl – is a settlement imminent?

German cross‑country skier Victoria Carl remains in limbo following a positive doping test, but movement in her case may be imminent. Sweden’s broadcaster SVT reports that the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) has now become involved and is working together with Germany’s National Anti‑Doping Agency (NADA).

Anti‑doping experts cited by SVT view WADA’s involvement as a sign that the parties could be negotiating a settlement that would lead to a reduced sanction. They point to a comparable precedent from 2024 in tennis: Italy’s Jannik Sinner tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol and reached an agreement with his national anti‑doping agency and WADA for a significantly shortened three‑month suspension.

Carl, an Olympic champion, tested positive for clenbuterol at a doping control at the end of March. According to Carl and the German Ski Association, the substance was contained in a cough syrup that a Bundeswehr team doctor prescribed and administered to her after the season during the Military World Games. Following the positive test, NADA provisionally suspended Carl, and she is barred from competition.

National team coach Peter Schlickenrieder emphasized that there was no doping intent, but he still sees only slim chances for Carl to compete at the Olympics: mistakes by others or ignorance do not protect from sanctions, he noted. Carl’s absence would be a major blow for the German team. She won Olympic gold in the team sprint with Katharina Hennig in Beijing 2022, and finished second in last season’s overall World Cup standings.

The case is being closely watched as WADA and NADA explore potential resolution options.