Winter Olympics: Russian medallist suspected of doping

PYEONGCHANG, February 18 

A Russian medallist at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics is suspected of having tested positive for a banned substance, a source at the Games said on Sunday. Alexander Krushelnitsky, a bronze-medallist along with his wife in mixed-doubles curling, is suspected of having tested positive for meldonium, the source said. Krushelnitsky did not respond immediately to a request for a comment. A spokesman for the Russian delegation at Pyeongchang said he had no immediate comment.

Russia has been accused of running a state-backed, systematic doping programme for years, an allegation Moscow denies. As a result, its athletes are competing at Pyeongchang as neutral “Olympic Athletes from Russia” (OAR).

Russian sports officials are to meet anti-doping officers at Pyeongchang, the source said, adding that any violation would only be confirmed after analysis of a “B” sample. Krushelnitsky and his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova, won bronze in a game against Norway, which would take that medal if a doping violation is confirmed. 

US ski star Vonn hurt by anti-American claims  

Lindsey Vonn admitted today that she was “hurt” by accusations that she is anti-American after the US ski star’s outspoken stance against President Donald Trump. Vonn, one of the most successful skiers of all time, said she plans to avoid speaking out again for the time being after she was subjected to abuse on Twitter for her opinions. Vonn, the 2010 Olympics downhill gold medallist, surprisingly failed to reach the podium in super-G at Pyeongchang.

Vonn’s disappointing performance was met with glee by some in the United States who did not take kindly to her comments saying that she would not visit Trumps’ White House if she won a medal. Asked if she was “anti-American” — a barb directed at her by her detractors — she said: “That’s so far from the truth. I’m the most American person you will ever find. I’m from Minnesota, from farmland, my family are solid, wholesome people and I love my country and I love competing for my country. I’m so proud to be here representing the United States.” — Reuters