Long distance star Victoria Carl was caught for doping - now she breaks the silence

SVT Sport meets Victoria Carl in German Oberhof. For over a year, she has ignored our interview requests - but now, with just over a month left until her doping suspension expires, she agrees to meet.

But on one condition – that she may answer the questions in German.

- I think it is easier for me to talk about this topic in German, because it is simply my mother tongue, and English is still a bit more difficult, says Carl.

"Extremely angry with myself"

It was during the military WC 2025 that Carl tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. She told me even then that she ingested the substance via a cough medicine that she received from her doctor.

- I simply trusted the doctor too much, and I am extremely angry with myself for having too much trust and not checking again if we were allowed to take it.

The German missed all of last season, including the Olympics, after being banned for 18 months.

- To protect myself, I have not followed any Olympics at all. Of course I always crossed my fingers, and finally I looked at the results and I was very happy that Germany went home with a medal in the sprint relay.

Allowed to compete again

Carl describes the suspension as a very difficult period because it was uncertain for a long time when she would be allowed to compete again. But when the World Cup starts in Finnish Ruka at the end of November, Carl is welcome back to the starting line.

- I can't do anything else now but say that it has happened, we have to move on, and there is no grudge or anything like that. I'm just happy to start this season again.

Se ett lägre möte med Victoria Carl i Sportspegeln på söndag.