Simon Wulff, a rising bob pusher, has tested positive for a banned substance during his first World Cup event. ARD commentator Eik Galley noted that Wulff received the test results on January 9, expressing disbelief. While the German Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation is investigating, officials agree Wulff likely did not knowingly consume the substance. Wulff, born January 1, 2001, has a strong athletic background and is seen as a promising talent in bobsleigh, raising questions about potential replacements in his team.
Positive Test Result for Bob Pusher Simon Wulff
Simon Wulff, a promising bob pusher, has recently tested positive for a substance that is prohibited in competitive events. Eik Galley, who has been an ARD bobsleigh commentator since 2007, shares his insights on this developing situation.
Timeline of Events Surrounding the Positive Test
When asked about the timing of the positive test, Galley revealed, “It occurred during his very first bobsleigh World Cup on December 7 in Altenberg, Saxony.” Wulff was notified about the test results via email on January 9, and his immediate response was one of disbelief.
Regarding the response from officials, Galley noted, “There is a consensus that Simon Wulff did not knowingly ingest the banned substance.” National coach René Spies referenced the official stance of the German Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (BSD), which restricts him from commenting on the ongoing investigation. This confidentiality extends to the athletes as well.
In an effort to investigate the circumstances surrounding the positive test, BSD President Thomas Schwab has instructed Wulff to compile a detailed list of all food items he consumed during the World Cup in Altenberg. Schwab clarified that the substance in question would have been permissible during training but is banned in competition, suggesting that intentional doping would involve different methods.
Wulff’s Athletic Background and Future Prospects
Simon Wulff quickly made a name for himself as a pusher for world champion Francesco Friedrich. Galley expressed skepticism about the possibility of Wulff knowingly using doping substances, stating, “It seems nearly impossible that Simon Wulff consciously doped. The sport involves thousands of tests each season, with prominent athletes like Friedrich facing rigorous scrutiny.” This extensive testing has made athletes acutely aware of the consequences of a positive result.
Wulff, born on January 1, 2001, in Dresden, has an impressive athletic history, having run the 100 meters in 10.06 seconds, placing him fourth on the all-time German list. Despite this success, he has committed to transitioning to bobsleigh, a decision recognized by Friedrich. Galley highlighted Wulff’s humility and enthusiasm for the sport, expressing doubt that he would risk his burgeoning career through intentional doping.
As for potential replacements for Wulff in Friedrich’s bobsleigh team for the upcoming event in St. Moritz, Galley mentioned, “The team will make that decision. Alexander Schüller has recently pushed for Friedrich in the two-man bobsleigh, winning the World Cup in Winterberg, and Friedrich has ample options for the four-man bobsleigh.”