Stian Angermund, the Norwegian path working champion whose profession was upended by a constructive doping check 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 specialists concluded was probably contamination relatively 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.
Angermund gained the 2023 Istria 100 by UTMB in Croatia and the 2019 OCC at UTMB; he’s additionally the reigning short-course world champion and a two-time Golden Path Sequence winner.
A surprising allegation
In October 2023, Angermund acquired devastating information: a doping check achieved after his victory at OCC (the 55 km occasion at Extremely-Path du Mont-Blanc) had returned constructive for chlorthalidone, a banned diuretic. The accusation despatched shockwaves by the path working neighborhood. Widespread for his pleasant manner 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 (even when unintentional).
The case for contamination
Because the months dragged on, Angermund’s case unravelled the complexities of anti-doping laws. French anti-doping authorities (AFLD), which carried out the testing, concluded after an in depth evaluate that the most certainly rationalization for the presence of chlorthalidone was contamination. Their skilled, Michel Audran, dismissed the potential for intentional use, stating: “Given the athlete’s data of doping, they might not have chosen chlorthalidone, figuring out that its elimination may be very gradual. The likelihood stays of contamination near or throughout the competitors.” Regardless of impartial affirmation supporting this concept, Angermund was nonetheless supplied a 16-month suspension underneath inflexible anti-doping guidelines. Angermund’s sentence was over as of the ruling, equating to the time he had already served all through the period of the proceedings.
A protracted highway to closure
Angermund’s suspension meant dropping his 2023 OCC title, sponsors and earnings. “These previous months have been probably the most tough 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 provide, 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.
Wanting forward
Now 37, Angermund stays decided to return to the game he loves. “I had hoped for a ‘No Fault’ consequence, however the course of has been gradual and unforgiving,” he wrote. “Regardless of this, I’m aiming for a powerful 2025, with new prospects, new objectives, and hopefully new sponsors.”