Russian ban may be lifted this weekend

The saga of Russia’s involvement at these Winter Olympics took another twist yesterday when a Russian curler was stripped of his bronze medal for doping in a move that, bizarrely, may boost the nation’s hopes of having their ban lifted this weekend.

Alexander Krushelnitsky, who was representing Olympic Athletes of Russia alongside his wife Anastasia Bryzgalova, finished third in the mixed doubles only for it to emerge that he had failed a drugs test for meldonium.

Krushelnitsky denied taking the drug, which increases blood flow and can boost endurance, claiming that his drink must have been spiked during a training camp.

The OAR delegation announced a criminal investigation would take place to determine how the positive test happened, but yesterday they confirmed they had dropped their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It is widely believed that the decision to drop the case was intended to boost Russia’s hopes of marching under their own flag at Sunday’s closing ceremony.

The International Olympic Committee banned Russia from Pyeongchang following a widespread network of systematic doping at the previous Winter Olympics in Sochi. However, Russian athletes who proved they were not tainted by the doping regime were allowed to compete in South Korea as neutrals. The suspension could be lifted at the closing ceremony provided the team observed a strict code of conduct during the Games.

The IOC’S executive board will meet tomorrow to receive a report compiled by a panel specifically established to assess Russia’s adherence to the code of conduct.

Krushelnitsky and Bryzgalova’s medal will go to Norway’s Kristin Skaslien and Magnus Nedregotten.