Norwegian Athletes Warned to Avoid Meat in China Over Doping Concerns
Norway’s elite sports body, Olympiatoppen, has advised its athletes to steer clear of all meat while competing in China due to fears of accidental doping violations.
The warning comes ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou and the Diamond League meet in Shanghai on May 3, where several Norwegian athletes are expected to participate.
According to Olympiatoppen, consuming meat in China could result in the unintentional intake of banned substances like clenbuterol, which is sometimes used to enhance growth in livestock. If consumed before a doping test, this could lead to a positive result.
“Studies show that meat in China may contain hormones such as clenbuterol. Athletes who consume such meat risk failing a doping test,” Olympiatoppen stated in its guidance.
The organisation has urged athletes to avoid all meat products during their stay in China. Reuters has reached out to World Athletics and the Chinese Athletics Association for comments.
Henriette Jaeger, who won bronze in the 400m at the World Indoor Championships, said she would follow the advice despite being a meat-lover. “You have to trust the experts,” she told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
Another athlete, Josefine Tomine Eriksen, echoed the sentiment and said she planned to pack protein bars and possibly some beef jerky from Norway to meet her dietary needs.
Olympiatoppen also advised athletes to be cautious about food hygiene and to eat only at reputable hotels and restaurants while in China.
