Russian medallist suspected of doping

A Russian athlete is suspected of having tested positive for a banned substance at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Alexander Krushelnitsky, who along with his wife secured a bronze medal in the mixed-doubles curling, was named by Reuters as the athlete suspected of having used meldonium, a substance that “increases blood flow which improves exercise capacity in athletes”, the news agency says.

Krushelnitsky has reportedly told team managers he believes his drink was spiked with the substance by a fellow athlete who failed to qualify for the Pyeongchang Games.

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Meldonium was added to the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2016, and is the same substance that led to a 15-month ban for tennis star Maria Sharapova.

Krushelnitsky was competing under the banner of the Olympic Athletes from Russia, after Russia’s official team was banned from the Games as punishment for a state-sponsored doping programme.

The International Olympic Committee did not name the athlete suspected of the latest infraction, but said that it was “extremely disappointing when prohibited substances might have been used”. It also said the result “shows the effectiveness of the anti-doping system at the Games”.

CNN reports that news of the adverse result could cost the Olympic Athletes from Russia team the chance to “march in their national uniform and with the Russian flag at the closing ceremony”.

The IOC had said Russian athletes might be allowed to march in their traditional colours and with their national flag if the team adhered to a strict code of conduct put in place before the Pyongchang Games.