Trail running champion’s battle against doping allegations ends
In 2023, Norway's Stian Angermund tested positive for the banned substance chlorthalidone
Photo by:
UTMB/Marta Bacardit
Stian Angermund, the Norwegian trail running champion whose career was upended by a positive doping test in 2023, has finally received closure. On Christmas Eve, Angermund accepted a settlement from French anti-doping authorities, ending a 16-month suspension for what experts concluded was likely contamination rather than intentional doping. The ruling allows Angermund to turn the page on a deeply challenging chapter as he sets his sights on a fresh start in 2025.
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Angermund won the 2023 Istria 100 by UTMB in Croatia and the 2019 OCC at UTMB; he is also the reigning short-course world champion and a two-time Golden Trail Series winner.
A shocking allegation
In October 2023, Angermund received devastating news: a doping test done after his victory at OCC (the 55 km event at Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) had returned positive for chlorthalidone, a banned diuretic. The accusation sent shockwaves through the trail running community. Popular for his friendly demeanour and professionalism, Angermund maintained his innocence, stating unequivocally, in an interview with Athletics Weekly, “I am a clean athlete.”
The trail-running world found itself divided. Some rallied behind Angermund, citing his clean reputation, while others expressed disappointment, adhering to a strict “no tolerance” stance on doping (even if accidental).
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The case for contamination
As the months dragged on, Angermund’s case unravelled the complexities of anti-doping regulations. French anti-doping authorities (AFLD), which conducted the testing, concluded after a detailed review that the most likely explanation for the presence of chlorthalidone was contamination. Their expert, Michel Audran, dismissed the possibility of intentional use, stating: “Given the athlete’s knowledge of doping, they would not have chosen chlorthalidone, knowing that its elimination is very slow. The probability remains of contamination close to or during the competition.” Despite independent confirmation supporting this theory, Angermund was still offered a 16-month suspension under rigid anti-doping rules. Angermund’s sentence was over as of the ruling, equating to the time he had already served throughout the duration of the proceedings.
A long road to closure
Angermund’s suspension meant losing his 2023 OCC title, sponsors and income. “These past months have been the most difficult and challenging of my sporting career,” he shared on Instagram. “I’ve lost my salary, race bonuses, and some of my reputation.”
On Christmas Eve, Angermund accepted the AFLD’s settlement offer, which effectively ended his suspension, as he had already served the required 16 months. While the outcome brings some closure, the emotional toll and career setbacks remain significant.
Looking ahead
Now 37, Angermund remains determined to return to the sport he loves. “I had hoped for a ‘No Fault’ result, but the process has been slow and unforgiving,” he wrote. “Despite this, I’m aiming for a strong 2025, with new possibilities, new goals, and hopefully new sponsors.”
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