Stian Angermund, the Norwegian path working champion whose profession was upended by a optimistic doping take a look at in 2023, has lastly acquired closure. On Christmas Eve, Angermund accepted a settlement from French anti-doping authorities, ending a 16-month suspension for what consultants concluded was seemingly contamination moderately than intentional doping. The ruling permits Angermund to show the web page on a deeply difficult chapter as he units his sights on a recent begin in 2025.
A stunning allegation
In October 2023, Angermund acquired devastating information: a doping take a look at taken after his victory on the OCC (the 55km occasion at Extremely-Path du Mont-Blanc) had returned optimistic for chlorthalidone, a banned diuretic. For the reigning short-course world champion and two-time Golden Path Sequence winner, the accusation despatched shockwaves by way of the path working neighborhood. Standard for his pleasant demeanor and professionalism, Angermund maintained his innocence, stating unequivocally, in an interview with Athletics Weekly, “I’m a clear athlete.”
The trail-running world discovered itself divided. Some rallied behind Angermund, citing his clear status, whereas others expressed disappointment, adhering to a strict “no tolerance” stance on doping.
The case for contamination
Because the months dragged on, Angermund’s case unraveled the complexities of anti-doping rules. French anti-doping authorities (AFLD), who carried out the testing, concluded after an in depth assessment that the most certainly rationalization for the presence of chlorthalidone was contamination. Their skilled, Michel Audran, dismissed the potential of intentional use, stating: “Given the athlete’s data of doping, they’d not have chosen chlorthalidone, figuring out that its elimination could be very sluggish. The likelihood stays of contamination near or through the competitors.” Regardless of unbiased affirmation supporting this concept, Angermund was nonetheless provided a 16-month suspension beneath inflexible anti-doping guidelines. Angermund’s sentence was over as of the ruling, equating to the time he had already served whereas throughout proceedings.
An extended street to closure
Angermund’s suspension meant shedding his 2023 OCC title, sponsors and earnings. “These previous months have been essentially the most troublesome and difficult of my sporting profession,” he shared on Instagram. “I’ve misplaced my wage, race bonuses, and a few of my status.”
On Christmas Eve, Angermund accepted the AFLD’s settlement supply, which successfully ended his suspension, as he had already served the required 16 months. Whereas the end result brings some closure, the emotional toll and profession setbacks stay vital.
Trying forward
Now 37, Angermund stays decided to return to the game he loves. “I had hoped for a ‘No Fault’ outcome, however the course of has been sluggish and unforgiving,” he wrote. “Regardless of this, I’m aiming for a powerful 2025, with new potentialities, new targets, and hopefully new sponsors.”
