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Russian, Lithuanian biathletes fail drug test before Sochi Olympics

Multiple news reports said Irina Starykh of Russia was among those suspended Wednesday.
(Barbara Gindl / EPA)
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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.

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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.

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