Went under the radar of anti-doping authorities, now the 29-year-old admits the offence and says he takes responsibility.

The 29-year-old cross-country skier has confirmed that he tested positive for cocaine, which is on the doping list.

“I admit that I used the substance at a party. It was a clear mistake. I was aware that it is a prohibited substance and that I, as an athlete, am responsible for my behaviour at all times, regardless of the situation. I take responsibility for what happened and regret it,” said Kaarel Kasper Kõrge from Estonia in a statement.

Long career

The cross-country skier has competed in four World Championships: Lahti 2017, Seefeld 2019, Oberstdorf 2021, and Planica 2023. He has also raced in 38 World Cup events, the most recent being the World Cup Final in Falun in March 2024. His last start in a FIS race was at the international season opener in Muonio, Finland, in November 2024.

The positive doping test is from August 2024, while Kõrge was still an active athlete.

Last week, a Finnish cross-country skier previously banned for doping made a comeback after a four-year suspension. He is now aiming to qualify for the Olympic Games in February.

Read More – Doping-banned skier makes comeback with clear goal: Milano-Cortina 2026

Went under the radar

The case surfaced around Christmas, when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) published its 2024 annual report. The report revealed that four athletes tested positive over the past year, two in bodybuilding and fitness, one rower, and one cross-country skier.

“The first two, Andrei Abrossimov and Regina Krukovskaya, were already publicly known, but the two endurance athletes have gone under the radar,” reports the Estonian website Delfi Sport.

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