Russian agrees to return mixed curling bronze

Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky will give back his bronze medal after failing a drug test at the Pyeongchang Games, a spokesperson for the Russian Curling Federation told state TV. Krushelnitsky tested positive for the banned substance meldonium, which is believed to help blood circulation, after winning bronze in mixed doubles with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova.

“We have signed a statement that indeed he did have (meldonium in the sample) and as a result we will give the medal back,” Russian Curling Federation spokesperson Valentina Parinova told state TV channel Russia 1. A statement in Krushelnitsky’s name published by state news agency Tass said he had not doped intentionally.

The news came with the International Olympic Committee due to decide Saturday whether to formally reinstate the Russian team for the closing ceremony.