Russian Hurdler Narozhilenko Reportedly Failed a Drug Test

Track and field officials here would not confirm a wire-service report that Lyudmila Narozhilenko of Russia, the defending world indoor champion in the 60-meter hurdles, has tested positive for banned substances and will be suspended for four years.

Wire reports on Friday claim that Narozhilenko, who was expected to defend her world championship here, tested positive after she equaled her world record Feb. 13 at Lievin, France. Narozhilenko has broken the record three times since. Her record is 7.63 seconds.

A spokeswoman for the International Amateur Athletic Federation, track and field’s international governing body, said Friday that the federation would not comment on any drug test before the B sample had been tested and the athlete’s federation had been notified. A source told the Associated Press that the B sample also was positive.

Narozhilenko was a semifinalist in the 100 hurdles at the Barcelona Olympics, but withdrew from the competition because of a leg injury.