Positive doping test for cross-country star Victoria Carl

German cross-country Olympic champion Victoria Carl (SC Motor Zella-Mehlis) has tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. The German Ski Association (DSV) announced the result on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, describing it as a “regrettable isolated case” and expressing hope for a full acquittal.

According to the DSV, Carl took a cough syrup after the end of the World Cup season while competing at the Military World Games on March 26. The syrup had been prescribed by a Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) physician and contained clenbuterol. In a statement, the Bundeswehr Medical Service accepted responsibility for administering the medication: “The prescription was medically comprehensible but organizationally faulty. The athlete bears no blame,” said the chief medical officer for the military competitions.

The DSV explained that Carl was suffering from spasmodic bronchitis during the event. An error occurred during treatment: instead of the ordered cough syrup Mucosolvan (ambroxol), the Bundeswehr pharmacy mistakenly supplied Spasmo Mucosolvan (ambroxol + clenbuterol). Under time pressure, the treating military doctor administered the drug but failed to warn about the doping-relevant ingredient or file an emergency Therapeutic Use Exemption.

DSV communications board member Stefan Schwarzbach emphasized that Carl declared the medication “completely and proactively” during doping control and argued she was not at fault: “Victoria Carl is facing possible consequences for something she is not medically responsible for. A ban—especially with the Olympics approaching—would neither be just nor proportionate in our view.”

Carl, 29, said she was ill with severe coughing fits and took the medicine on medical advice, disclosing everything and unaware of the banned substance. The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has opened proceedings. Carl could face a suspension that might cost her a start at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. At the 2022 Games, Carl won gold in the team sprint with Katharina Hennig and silver in the 4x5 km relay.

The report also notes that clenbuterol is used medically for respiratory issues but is banned in sport and has appeared in past doping cases across disciplines. As context, it recalls the 2016 case of Norwegian skier Therese Johaug, who received an 18‑month ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid from a lip ointment, despite her doctor taking responsibility.

No detailed timeline beyond the initial announcement was provided by the DSV.