Russian, Lithuanian biathletes fail drug test before Sochi Olympics
- Share via
Ten days before opening ceremonies at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, the host country has suffered the embarrassment of having one or more of its athletes suspended for a failed drug test.
The International Biathlon Union announced Wednesday three competitors from Russia and Lithuania were found to have an unnamed prohibited substance in their samples.
“According to the WADA [World Anti-Doping Agency] code, the IBU therefore provisionally suspended the respective athletes from any IBU competitions until the decision of the anti-doping hearing panel is reached,” the statement said.
Though no names or details were released, multiple news reports said Irina Starykh of Russia was among the suspended.
Starykh had a successful junior career but struggled for several years before emerging as a top World Cup racer. She currently ranks sixth in the total points standings.
ALSO:
Olympic officials vow to hunt down drug cheats
Condition of Michael Schumacher remains publicly guarded
Dana White: Floyd Mayweather would ‘get murdered in the UFC’ [Video]
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
