Russian Who Failed Doping Test Was a Curler

This could damage chances of reinstatement
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 19, 2018 12:11 AM CST
Doping Charge Could Prevent Russia Reinstatement
In this Feb. 13, 2018 photo, Russian athletes Anastasia Bryzgalova, left, and Alexander Krushelnitsky smile as they win bronze medal during the venue ceremony for the mixed doubles curling match at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea.   (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

Russia could lose its chance to be reinstated before the end of the Winter Olympics because of a doping charge against curling bronze medalist Alexander Krushelnitsky. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said in a statement Monday that it has "initiated a procedure involving" Krushelnitsky, who finished third in mixed doubles with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova, the AP reports. IOC spokesman Mark Adams says a failed doping test could keep Russia's banned team from marching under the national flag at the closing ceremony. Russian athletes are participating in the Pyeongchang Olympics as "Olympic Athletes from Russia."

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic committee last year in connection with a massive doping scheme at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi but allowed 168 athletes to compete under neutral uniforms and without the Russian national flag. Adams confirmed the positive test and says it could have "consequences" in evaluating the behavior of the Russian team, which was required to abide by restrictions—including bans to some medal favorites—and to undergo extra drug tests. Russian Curling Federation president Dmitry Svishchev said it was possible someone spiked Krushelnitsky's food or drink with meldonium, which was banned in 2016. He suggested that rival Russian athletes or Russia's political enemies could be responsible.

(More 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics stories.)

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