Handball player Nils Kretschmer closed for four years – career before the end?

The German handball player Nils Kretschmer has been occupied with a lock of four years because of a doping offense. The decision was made by the Handball Bundesliga (HBL) met unanimously after a doping control at Kretschmer had proven an increased testosterone concentration.

The control took place as part of a league game on September 29, 2024. After the analysis demonstrated the forbidden hormone in his body, the 32-year-old back room player was temporarily suspended in December. Kretschmer admitted the violation, which offers him the opportunity to obtain a shortening of the punishment to three years by cooperation with the authorities.

The lock represents a deep cut in Kretschmer’s career. The handball professional, which was captain of his club TV Großwallstadt until the suspension was suspended, lost his contract after the doping event became known. His long -time employer separated from him shortly before Christmas 2024, which could mean the early end of his sporting career. At the age of 35, after the regular lock ended, a return to professional handball would be almost impossible.

In addition to his career on the field, Kretschmer had also made a name for himself as an influencer in recent years. He achieved a large fan base through social media, which he regularly participated in his life as a professional athlete. But the doping lock could also affect its digital presence, since its sporting success and his image are now considered as a model.

Kretschmer now has 20 days to choose an official disciplinary procedure or accept the lock. If he appeals, the case would be checked by the anti-doping commission of the German Handball Federation. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether this could make a change in the judgment.

This case once again illustrates the consequences of doping in professional sports. While Kretschmer now has to deal with the drastic cut in his career, the question remains how his case will affect perception and future doping prevention in handball.