Russian curling Bronze Medalist Alexander Krushelnitsky faces an investigation after a positive doping test for meldonium.getty images
A Russian curler who passed "rigorous vetting" to attend the Pyeongchang Olympics was "hit by a drug case" on Monday, "raising questions" over the testing program and the move to let Russians compete despite systemic doping, according to the AFP. Alexander Krushelnitsky, who won Bronze in mixed-doubles curling with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova, "was the subject of a new procedure at the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) anti-doping division." The case "could have wider repercussions" -- Olympic officials will decide this week whether to lift a ban on Russia and let its athletes march behind their national flag at the closing ceremony on Sunday. Krushelnitsky was one of 168 athletes passed as "clean" and allowed to compete as neutrals after a targeted testing program stretching back over several months. But it has emerged that he failed his A and B test samples and CAS will "now decide if there has been a violation and possible sanctions." A source said that the case involves meldonium, which increases endurance and helps recovery. Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova served a 15-month ban after testing positive for meldonium in '16. Russian curling coach Sergei Belanov dismissed the claims against Krushelnitsky, saying that doping would be "no advantage" in curling, a sedate ice sport (AFP, 2/19).