Four More Skiers Are Suspended Five Days

No one is quite sure if these Winter Olympics have their first scandal or if this is a case of over-caution.

Either way, four more cross-country skiers were given five-day suspensions Friday to “protect the health of the athlete.”

They join eight skiers, two from the U.S., who were suspended Thursday for having elevated levels of hemoglobin. The suspensions will affect those competing in Sunday’s men’s and women’s pursuit races but no other events. The suspensions began Wednesday, the day the blood tests were taken.

High levels of hemoglobin, or red blood cells, can bolster an athlete’s stamina and endurance. According to a Mayo Clinic website, high levels of hemoglobin can be caused by high altitude and dehydration, both of which cross-country skiers may experience.

The concern is that it could also be caused by EPO, a blood-doping agent, or some other form of performance-enhancing drug.

“It’s a health and safety issue, and that’s why it’s there,” U.S. ski team spokesman Tom Kelly told the Associated Press.

Suspended Friday were Alen Abramovic of Croatia, Pavel Korosteljev and Nikolai Pankratov of Russia, and Robel Teklemariam of Ethiopia.

The two Americans suspended are Kikkan Randall of Anchorage and Leif Zimmerman of Bozeman, Mont. Also suspended was Evi Sachenbacher of Germany.

-- John Cherwa

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Andy Finch, one of four U.S. snowboarders competing in Sunday’s halfpipe, remains hobbled by a foot injury suffered two weeks ago during X Games practice. But he has been practicing and is expected to compete.

Ross Powers, who narrowly missed qualifying for the team, reportedly traveled to Bardonecchia on Friday night and could replace Finch if he cannot compete.

“Andy will compete,” assured Bud Keene, coach of the U.S. halfpipe team.

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Halfpipe riding has progressed to where an athlete virtually has to pull off at least one 1080 -- three rotations -- to earn a spot on the podium.

This has led some to incorporate 1260s into their practice runs and spectators may see one during Sunday’s competition. The problem is the risk factor, as one poor landing destroys the run.

Said Germany’s Xaver Hoffman, “I don’t think you can show style. You huck yourself into it and wait till you detonate. It’s not possible to do as nicely as a 900 and 720.”

-- Pete Thomas

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Mighty Duck defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh is expected to be released from the NHL’s substance abuse and behavioral program to play for Latvia in the Winter Olympics, General Manager Brian Burke said.

Ozolinsh has been at an unidentified facility since Dec. 29 and, according to Burke, has begun skating on his own and working out to prepare for a return.

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Defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski was officially added to Russia’s roster for the Olympics as a replacement for the New York Islanders’ Alexei Zhitnik, who pulled out because of a sprained ankle.

-- Eric Stephens