Russian curlers ‘caught doping’
Curling stars eyed in latest doping scandal
They even need performanceenhancing drugs for curling?!
Russian athlete Alexander Krushelnitsky, who along with wife Anastasia Bryzgalova edged out Norway for the mixed-doubles bronze in curling at the Pyeongchang Winter Games, is suspected of doping, sources told Reuters.
The olympian is accused of taking meldonium, the infamous drug that got tennis superstar Maria Sharapova suspended from the pro circuit for 15 months.
The drug gives athletes an upper hand by increasing blood flow.
Krushelnitsky failed a prelimi- nary test, according to the report.
Russia was banned from the games in December after an investigation into state-backed doping at the Sochi games four years ago. Russia has denied the accusations.
The 168 Russians competing in these Olympic Games were cleared to do so under the banner “Olympic Athletes from Russia.”
Krushelnitsky and his partner’s win would be revoked if the suspicions are confirmed with further testing.
Bryzgalova has gained online fame as the sexy Russian curler for her model-like looks.
Russia has had 41 Olympic medals stripped for doping violations in the past — the most of any country. “I hope it’s not true . . . for the sport of curling,” Norwegian team skipper Thomas Ulsrud told Reuters.
“If it’s true, I feel really sad for the Norwegian team who worked really hard and ended up in fourth place,” he said.
The country’s sports officials are set to meet anti-doping officers in South Korea, Reuters reported.
A spokesman for the Russian delegation at the games and Krushelnitsky did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The International Olympic Committee said it had taken note of the case but did not provide additional detail.
Russian athletes competing as OAR in this year’s games aren’t allowed to have their anthem played in gold-medal ceremonies or use national symbols. They haven’t won any gold medals so far.
Japanese short-track speedskater Kei Sato was suspended from the games Tuesday for using acetazolamide, a diuretic that can mask the presence of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
The 21-year-old skater denied taking the drugs.