Reports: Russian curling medalist suspected of failing doping test in PyeongChang
A Russian curler is suspected to have tested positive for a banned substance at the PyeongChang Olympics, according to multiple reports.
Alexander Krushelnitsky, a bronze medalist with his wife in mixed doubles curling, was first reported to have initially tested positive for meldonium by the Russian publication Sport Express early Sunday.
Reuters reports that a source confirmed with them that Krushelnitsky is indeed expected to have tested positive for the banned substance that increases blood flow in athletes. He has yet to have his B sample tested, which would provide official confirmation of a violation, Reuters reports.
The report is a blow to the Russian delegation and its Olympic athletes after the country was officially banned from the PyeongChang Games for a sophisticated doping scandal during the 2014 Sochi Games. Russians competing in the Winter Games are doing so under the banner Olympic Athletes from Russia, rather than the Russian flag.
Russian officials are scheduled to meet with anti-doping officers in PyeongChang, according to Reuters. Krushelnitsky did not respond to a Reuters request for comment while a spokesman for a Russian delegation declined to comment.
The International Olympic Committee acknowledged the case but declined to go into detail with Reuters.
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