WADA reported finding meldonium in samples of more than 60 athletes – RBC

doping tests over 60 athletes, including Olympic champions and world champions, gave a positive result. It is reported by The New York Times, citing a letter from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

«On the positive doping tests meldonium, I can tell you that since 1 January and as of March 7, he detected in 60 assays. And that number continues to grow “, – said in the letter

The publication notes that the names of some of the athletes is not yet announced, because their case is still subject to review.. However, among them, the Olympic champion in speed skating Pavel Pavel Kulizhnikov, skater Simon Yelistratov and silver medalist in freestyle wrestling Davit Modzmanashvili (Georgia) and world champion in the run Abeba Aregawi (Sweden).

WADA explained that among the reasons for the ban meldonium were the results of studies that have shown the widespread use of the drug and its use among Russian athletes. One of the problems was the fact that healthy athletes have used drugs to improve performance instead of the treatment, the newspaper notes.

The doping scandal involving the use meldonium, broke out on 7 March. Then, the failure of the test, said Maria Sharapova. According to her, she used the drug for 10 years and did not know that he is on the list of banned since January 1, 2016. However, according to The Times, the athlete has received at least five warnings.

The New York Times also notes that it remains unclear how an athlete living in the United States was able to buy the drug, because its sale is prohibited in the United States. Press Secretary Office of the Food and Drug Administration said the publication, that the import into the United States “unapproved drug” illegally. However, in some situations, the agency allows the delivery of the drug for personal use.

addition Sharapova, the positive doping tests were taken from figure skater Ekaterina Bobrova, biathlete Edward Latypov, cyclist Edward Vorganova, volleyball Alexander Markin, skater Paul Kulizhnikova and also short trekistov Seeds Elistratova and Ekaterina Konstantinova.

Earlier today, the Minister of sport Vitaly Mutko claimed responsibility for the use of athletes meldonium. On the eve of Russia as requested by WADA explain why the drug was listed as prohibited for athletes.

The very creator meldonium does not recognize the drug doping. According to him, there is no scientific evidence that the drug helps to improve the physical abilities of athletes and their results.