Norwegian elite athletes have been advised to avoid all meat while competing in China, amid concerns over potential contamination with banned substances.
Olympiatoppen, the body overseeing Norway’s top sports performers, issued the warning ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou and the Diamond League meet in Shanghai on 3 May.
The guidance cites studies indicating that clenbuterol – a prohibited growth hormone sometimes used in Chinese livestock farming – can inadvertently enter athletes’ systems through meat consumption, posing a risk of positive doping tests.
“If a meat-based meal is consumed before a doping test, the athlete may test positive,” Olympiatoppen stated in its guidelines, as seen by Reuters.
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Norwegian sprinter Henriette Jæger, who secured bronze in the 400 metres at the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships, confirmed she will adhere to the advice.
“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 broadcaster NRK.
Fellow athlete Josefine Tomine Eriksen also plans to follow the guidelines, stating she will bring protein bars and beef jerky from Norway to maintain her protein intake.
Olympiatoppen further recommended athletes dine only at high-quality restaurants and hotels in China, citing general food hygiene concerns.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has previously warned athletes about the risk of clenbuterol contamination in meat consumed in China.
Reuters has contacted World Athletics and the Chinese Athletics Association for comment.