Olympic champion Carl failed a doping test due to cough syrup

The Olympic champion in cross-country skiing, German Victoria Karl, did not pass a doping test because of cough syrup. This was announced on June 25 by the press service of the German Ski Sports Association (DSV).

"German skier Victoria Karl was found to have clenbuterol, a substance prohibited by the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA. — Ed.)," the publication on the website says.

It is clarified that the discovered substance was an ingredient in cough syrup, which Karl prescribed and administered by a doctor after the final race at the Winter Military World Games (CISM) on March 26. According to DSV, this is an isolated case that arose due to an unfortunate combination of organizational and medical circumstances, and not because of the intention to deceive the athlete.

The National Anti-Doping Agency has launched an investigation, Sport-Express clarifies. DSV, in turn, expressed hope for Karl's acquittal, since there was no deliberate violation of the rules in her actions. According to the publication, a possible suspension will prevent the skier from participating in the 2026 Olympics and may lead to the end of her career.

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On May 15, it became known about the temporary suspension of the Ukrainian European triple jump champion Marina Bekh-Romanchuk for doping. It was clarified that the banned substance testosterone was found in the athlete's doping test.