Russian, Lithuanian biathletes fail drug test before Sochi Olympics

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.

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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