German Ski Association: Doping‑positive Victoria Carl will not compete at the Olympics

Germany’s Ski Association announced that Olympic cross‑country skiing champion Victoria Carl, 29, will not compete at the upcoming Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics. The decision follows her positive test for clenbuterol at the end of March during the Military World Championships held in Switzerland.

Clenbuterol is on the World Anti‑Doping Agency’s prohibited list. Carl has been under a provisional suspension since June, and according to the federation she remains suspended while the matter continues to be adjudicated.

Carl has said the positive result was caused by a medication containing clenbuterol that she received from a military doctor, stressing there was no intentional doping. The German Ski Association initially supported the athlete’s explanation as the case proceeded.

“Given the current status of the proceedings, her participation in upcoming competitions and at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano–Cortina is excluded. Due to the complexity of the case, we cannot provide further details at this time,” the federation stated.

Carl said it remains difficult to accept that “a moment of carelessness and incorrect medical treatment” have destroyed her Olympic dream. She hopes for a timely, appropriate ruling that would at least allow the realistic continuation of her career. She will continue training and does not plan further comments for now.

The German Ski Association added that it remains in close contact with all relevant authorities and aims for a transparent, objective and fair process that also respects the athlete’s personal rights.