Russia
2008 Olympic high jump bronze medallist, Anna Chicherova, is reportedly among 14 Russian athletes who have tested positive for doping during re-tests of their samples from the Beijing Games.
It’s another blow for Russia whose track and field athletes have been suspended since November after an international investigation revealed damning evidence of doping and corruption.
#Russia Tue confirms doping samples of 14 Russian athletes taken during the 2008
— People's Daily,China (PDChina) May 25, 2016Olympics
tested positive pic.twitter.com/rFRASxuBbs
“As a whole we come from the perception that all those criteria, proposed by the international federation (IAAF), they are being thoroughly followed. And generally I don’t see serious reasons for not letting our athletes take part in the Olympics. I think punishments for doping violations should always be personal. The person, the athlete who violated doping rules, must be punished,” said Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko
The Russian Olympic Committee refused to name the athletes but local media did, adding 10 of them were Olympic medallists – although this could not be verified.
Last week, the IOC announced it was re-testing hundreds of samples from the 2008 Olympics and said up to 31 athletes could be banned from the Rio Games.
01:10
Russia launches strikes on Ukrainian targets, Ukraine repels offensives
Go to video
HRW accuses Wagner of killing civilians with Malian army
01:09
Suspects in Moscow attack appear in court
01:58
Putin addresses French president's concerns over Russian presence in Africa
Go to video
Doping: the only African laboratory suspended for lack of analyzes
01:03
Pogba denies doping as he's hit with four-year ban by Italy