Norway’s sports institution responsible for training top athletes, the Olympiatoppen, has recently advised Norwegian athletes who are about to participate in events in China to completely avoid consuming any form of meat during their time there. This recommendation aims to prevent athletes from unknowingly ingesting meat containing banned substances, leading to failed drug tests.
The Olympiatoppen highlighted in its official guidelines for athletes that studies have shown some athletes testing positive for clenbuterol, a banned substance, after consuming meat in China. This could be attributed to the use of growth-promoting hormones in local livestock farming processes.
To minimize the risks of positive drug tests, the center strongly recommends athletes to abstain from consuming all types of meat while in China. Athletes who test abnormally due to contaminated meat ingestion may face serious consequences such as suspension from competitions.
This advice comes at a time when several international track and field events are scheduled to take place in China, including the upcoming World Relays in Guangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in early May and the Shanghai Diamond League on May 3, with multiple Norwegian athletes participating.
Henriette Jaeger, a promising Norwegian female athlete who won a bronze medal in the women’s 400 meters at the Indoor Athletics World Championships this year, expressed her support for the recommendation. She emphasized the importance of trusting professional opinions, despite her personal preference for meat consumption due to its perceived performance benefits.
Another track and field athlete, Josefine Tomine Eriksen, shared her approach to maintaining her protein intake while acknowledging the potential risks associated with meat consumption in China. She mentioned bringing protein bars and beef jerky as alternatives during her stay to ensure her body receives the necessary nutrients.
In addition to the risks of banned substances, the Olympiatoppen also advised athletes to be mindful of food hygiene in China, recommending choosing high-quality hotels and restaurants to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues or other health concerns during their time in the country.
The Olympiatoppen, affiliated with the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), serves as a core institution for the development of Norway’s elite athletes. Since its establishment in 1986, the institution has played a pivotal role in the Norwegian sports system, focusing on enhancing athletes’ competitiveness and performance on the international stage through training systems, sports technology applications, and long-term development strategies.
(Adapted from relevant reports by Reuters)