The cross-country skiing star who tested positive for doping earlier this spring has been awarded the German Ski Association’s most prestigious honor: Athlete of the Year 2025.

In June, shocking news broke that Victoria Carl had tested positive for Clenbuterol, a substance listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as prohibited. This week, the 29-year-old nevertheless received the Golden Ski Award, the German Ski Association’s highest distinction for active athletes, for her performances in the 2024/2025 season.

Carl explained that she ingested the substance by mistake, through a cough syrup prescribed by her doctor. She maintains she did not know the medicine contained the banned substance. She has been suspended from all national team activities and competitions since the spring.

Also Read: Victoria Carl tests positive for Clenbuterol after taking prescribed medication

The case is still under investigation by the German Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), and Carl has not yet been officially sanctioned. Once NADA reaches its conclusion, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and WADA will decide whether—and for how long—the German star will be banned.

With just weeks remaining until the World Cup opener in Ruka and three months before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Carl still has no clarity on whether she will be allowed to compete this season.

Also Read – Cross-country skiing World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season

The German Ski Association says it believes Carl’s explanation, but national team head coach Peter Schlickenrieder doubts she will avoid suspension.

“I expect that she will miss the Olympics. It wasn’t intentional, but someone else’s mistake doesn’t free athletes from responsibility. These are facts that cannot be ignored. For Victoria, this is a tragedy,” said Schlickenrieder, adding that Carl must now set long-term goals.

Read More: Controversial doping case sparks expert divide

The “Goldener Ski” (Golden Ski) award is the German Ski Association’s highest honor for active athletes, presented to the best male and female performer in each discipline.

Victoria Carl received the award as the best female cross-country skier of 2025, after finishing second overall in the World Cup and helping Germany win a relay bronze medal at the World Championships in Trondheim.

She is one of 13 athletes honored with the Golden Ski this year. On the men’s side, Friedrich Moch won the 2025 award in cross-country skiing.

Other disciplines include biathlon, Nordic combined, ski jumping, alpine skiing, ski cross, and freeski.

A complete press release can be found HERE.

Read More: Program for cross-country skiing at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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