No Steak, No Mistake: Norway Warns Athletes Off Meat in China
To dodge accidental doping bans, Norwegian athletes are being told to skip meat in China, where hormone-fed livestock may trigger positive drug tests.
When Beef Becomes a Banned Substance
Ahead of two major track and field events in China this May, Norwegian athletes have been handed some unusual travel advice: go vegetarian—at least temporarily.
The guidance comes from Olympiatoppen, the powerhouse behind Norway’s elite sports training. Their concern? The presence of clenbuterol, a banned anabolic agent, sometimes found in Chinese meat due to illegal hormone use in farming.
And no, this isn’t just food paranoia. There's history here: clenbuterol has previously shown up in athletes’ systems following meals in regions where hormone-laced livestock isn’t uncommon. The substance acts like a turbocharger for the body—revving up muscle growth and fat burning—but it’s banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), no matter how it ends up in your bloodstream.
The Stakes (and Steaks) Are High
The warning lands just as athletes like Karsten Warholm, Norway’s world-record-holding 400m hurdler, gear up for the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou and the Diamond League event in Shanghai.
If a post-meal drug test pops positive, even accidentally, careers can stall instantly. That’s why Olympiatoppen isn’t mincing words—or meat. Their advice: “Avoid all types of meat while in China.”
Athletes Adjusting Their Menus
Some athletes are already adapting. Sprinter Henriette Jaeger, fresh off a 400m bronze at the World Indoor Championships, is playing it safe despite her fondness for meat. “You have to trust the professionals,” she told Norwegian media.
Meanwhile, teammate Josefine Tomine Eriksen is opting for protein bars and beef jerky from home. “I don’t want to be a veggie,” she said, “but you need your protein.”
Beyond Doping: A Word on Hygiene
Olympiatoppen’s concerns don’t stop at clenbuterol. Their guidelines also flag general food safety, recommending athletes stick to top-tier restaurants and hotels to avoid any unfortunate surprises before race day.
Bottom Line
In a world where dinner could derail a career, Norwegian athletes are proving that playing clean sometimes means eating clean—even if it’s not what’s on the menu. Better safe with salad than sorry with steak.
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