Germany’s Victoria Carl, World Cup overall runner-up, tests positive for clenbuterol

The German Ski Federation (DSV) announced that Victoria Carl, runner-up in the 2024–25 Cross‑Country World Cup overall standings and Olympic gold medalist in the team sprint (2022), has returned an out‑of‑competition positive test for clenbuterol, a substance prohibited by the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA).

According to the DSV statement, the substance was contained in a cough syrup that was prescribed and administered to Carl by a military doctor on March 26, following her final race at the Military World Games in Lucerne. The medication was reportedly given to treat acute spasmodic bronchitis.

Carl, 29, says she was ill with a severe cough and took the medication on medical orders, stating she disclosed the treatment and was not aware it included a banned active ingredient. Germany’s anti‑doping agency (NADA) has opened an investigation. The federation expressed hope for an acquittal, arguing that any suspension—however short—would effectively rule Carl out of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and could mean the end of her career.