Status: 16.01.2024, 14:24 PM
By: Andre Oechsner
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Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen astounds with statements about taking a doping substance. However, the Norwegian biathlete did not do anything illegal.
Geilo – In the course of Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen's illness, there was simply no improvement. The Norwegian biathlete even resorted to actually illicit means due to his persistent lung problems, which had affected him since late summer.
| Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen | |
|---|---|
| Born: | May 12, 1992 (age 31), Geilo, Norway |
| Debut in the World Cup: | December 1, 2012 |
| World cup: | 3. (2022/23) |
| Association: | Geilo IL |
Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen takes drug that is on doping list
As Christiansen explains to the Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, a few weeks ago he took a drug that is officially forbidden to take. "I took something called prednisolone. It's on the doping list for competitions," says Christiansen.
Prednisolone, for example, helps with inflammatory eye complaints such as allergic conjunctivitis. In addition, the drug is used against inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic polyarthritis or autoimmune diseases, but also for post-myocardial infarction syndrome or severe asthma attacks. Prednisolone is usually given in tablet form.
Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen from the Norwegian biathlon team took a drug that is on the doping list. © IMAGO/Peter Hartenfelser
Biathlon star admits: "I've never taken antibiotics"
Outside of competitions, taking agents such as prednisolone is completely legal, but it is important that the drug is no longer detectable in the body when athletes are back on the starting line. Christiansen went on a five-day "prednisolone cure" and then had a ten-day "flushing phase" to get the drug out of his body in time for the start of the season.
"When you play with drugs that are on the doping list for competitions, you want to be on the safe side. I've never taken antibiotics before, but I've already taken two courses this year. So this year I really dug deep into the first-aid kit," Christiansen continues.
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Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen had to stay away from the biathlon opening in Norway
Between 10 and 12 November, the big biathlon opening was on the agenda in Norway. Christiansen was not allowed to take part due to his cure. In any case, the use of strong medication underscores how bad Christiansen's lung problems had been. The Norwegian athlete had previously tried other methodologies, but nothing helped. It was therefore considered necessary by the federation to go the "doping route".
Ola Berger, the doctor in charge of the Norwegian biathlon team, speaks of a completely normal methodology in this context: "I had tried other things and it was important that it was done. We have to use the best medicine, even if that means he has to leave the competition." Berger assures us that taking prednisolone will not make you a better athlete.
Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen won the sprint in Ruhpolding
Most recently, Christiansen won the sprint in Ruhpolding. But he had also hit the headlines because he had criticized his own association for its demotion. After all, the biathlon Olympic champion had been sorted out by the Norwegian federation a week earlier in Oberhof. (aoe)
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