Maria Sharapova was only one of 99 positive meldonium tests since Jan. 1

Sharapova is not the only one, 99 positive drug tests have occurred since January 1.
(Image credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova confessed on Monday that she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open after the drug went onto the banned substance list on Jan. 1. The World Anti-Doping Agency says she isn't alone: On Friday, the agency reported that 99 tests since Jan. 1 have shown positive results for meldonium.

The New York Times reported Thursday that at least 60 athletes had tested positive for the drug, which is typically used to help with blood flow in heart patients. While many who have tested positive have not yet been publicly identified, among their numbers are Olympic gold medalist in short-track speedskating Semion Elistratov of Russia, Olympic silver medalist in wrestling Davit Modzmanashvili of Georgia, and world champion runner Abeba Aregawi of Sweden.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.