Olympics Gets Its 2nd Failed Drug Test

Russian delegation announces that an unnamed athlete has failed
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 18, 2018 8:33 AM CST
Olympics Gets Its 2nd Failed Drug Test
A Russian supporter waves a flag before the preliminary round of the men's hockey game between the team from Russia and the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018.   (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The Russian delegation at the Pyeongchang Olympics has announced that one of its athletes has failed a drug test, reports the AP. Two Russian state news agencies cited Konstantin Vybornov, spokesman for the "Olympic Athletes from Russia" team, as saying the delegation received an official notification from the International Olympic Committee of the positive test. Vybornov said a "B'' sample taken from the athlete will be analyzed within 24 hours, but did not name the athlete or the sport involved. A confirmed doping case could be an obstacle to Russia's efforts to have the Russian team formally reinstated in time for the closing ceremony. "Doping testing and sanctioning at the Pyeongchang 2018 is independent from the IOC. Therefore, the IOC cannot communicate on individual cases while the procedure is still ongoing," the IOC said in a statement.

"However, we take note of the statement by a spokesperson of the Olympic Athlete from Russia (OAR) delegation," the IOC continued, adding that "if the case is confirmed, it will be considered" by the IOC body that would be considering whether to reinstate Russia. The Court of Arbitration for Sport, which rules on Olympic doping cases, said it had not received any notification. "No new case received and no rumors of it so far," Matthieu Reeb, the court's secretary general, said in an email. The only other doping case so far at the Pyeongchang Olympics came when Japanese short-track speedskater Kai Saito tested positive for a banned diuretic and was removed from competition. His case is ongoing. (A Russian luger made an unprecedented offer to an American counterpart.)

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