Norway bans meat eating for its athletes while in China over doping fears

Norwegian athletes have been advised not to eat any type of meat while competing in China due to fears it could lead to 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 Relay Championships 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.

"Therefore, Olympiatoppen advises athletes to avoid all types of meat while in China."

No comment had yet been made by World Athletics, the sport's governing body, and the Chinese Athletics Association by the time of publication of this report.

The Reuters news agency also reported that they had failed to reach any of the authorities in charge of the situation for an explanation.

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.

Kenya and Kenyans will also be competing in the said events but so far no advisory has been released by either Athetics Kenya or the National Olympic Committee of Kenya NOCK as regards the matter.

Kenya will send a team of 21 to the World Relays in China.

The team will compete in the 4x100 metres for men and will also take part in the 4x400 metres race for both men and women.

Team Kenya to the World Athletics Championships 2025

100m Men:

Meshack Kitsbuli Babu (KDF) Moses Onyango Wasike (Western) Isaac Omurwa Kundu (University), Steve Onyango, Ferdinand Omanyala and Mark Otieno Odhiambo (Police)

400m Women

Mercy Adongo Oketch (KDF), Mercy Chebet (South Rift), Esther Mbagari Okang'a (Prisons), Lanoline Aoko Owino (KDF), Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera (Southern), Gladys Mumbe David (Police), Hellen Syombua Kalii (Police) and Mary Moraa.

400m Men

Kevin Kipkorir (North Rift), Tinega Brian Onyari (Police), Allan Kipyego (Police), Kelvin Kiprotich Tonui (Nairobi,) Boniface Mweeresan Ontuga (KDF) David Sanayek Kapirante (Prisons) Wiseman Were (KDF)