Norwegian athletes have been advised by the organisation responsible for training the country's elite competitors not to eat any type of meat while competing in China due to fears it could cause a positive doping test.
Image: File Photo
Tommy Lund – Norwegian athletes have been advised by the organisation responsible for training the country's elite competitors not to eat any type of meat while competing in China due to fears it could cause a positive doping test.
Olympiatoppen, which is part of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, stated that consuming meat could lead to the unintentional ingestion of banned substances, posing a small but real risk of testing positive.
The 2025 World Athletics Relays will take place in early May at the Guangdong Olympic Stadium in Guangzhou, while the Diamond League event in Shanghai is scheduled for May 3, where several Norwegian athletes are set to compete.
“Studies have shown that athletes have inadvertently ingested clenbuterol when eating meat in China, as some animals are fed hormones to promote growth. If a meat-based meal is consumed before a doping test, the athlete may test positive,” Olympiatoppen stated in their guidelines, as seen by Reuters.
“Therefore, Olympiatoppen advises athletes to avoid all types of meat while in China.”
World Athletics, the sport’s governing body, said the issue occurs in multiple countries beyond China.
“Athletes and teams are already aware of issues surrounding the presence of Clenbuterol in meat in certain areas of the world – this is not unique to China,” it said.
“All athletes should take necessary precautions where required and should follow the advice of their teams.”
Reuters has contacted the Chinese Athletics Association for comment.
Norwegian athlete Henriette Jaeger, a bronze medallist in the 400 metres at the world indoor championships this year and who will soon compete in China, confirmed she will follow the guidelines.
“I really enjoy eating meat, and it’s very good for the body when you're going to compete. But you have to listen to the professionals and trust them,” she told Norwegian state broadcaster NRK.
Fellow athlete Josefine Tomine Eriksen is also taking the advice seriously.
“I don’t want to be a ‘veggie’, (vegetarian) but you do need a bit of protein, so I’ll bring some protein bars from Norway. Maybe a bit of beef jerky too.”
Olympiatoppen also warned against poor food hygiene in general and recommended eating at high-quality restaurants and hotels while in China.
Reuters