Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky will give back his Olympic bronze medal after failing a drug test at the Pyeongchang Games, a spokeswoman for the Russian Curling Federation told state TV.
Krushelnitsky tested positive for the banned substance meldonium, which is believed to help blood circulation, after winning bronze in mixed doubles with his wife, Anastasia Bryzgalova.
FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2018 file photo, Russian athletes Anastasia Bryzgalova, left, and Alexander Krushelnitsky smile as they win bronze medal during the venue ceremony for the mixed doubles curling match at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea. Russian curlers say a coach on their team told them that Krushelnitsky tested positive for a banned substance at the Pyeongchang Olympics. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)
"We have signed a statement that indeed he did have (meldonium in the sample) and as a result we will give the medal back," Russian Curling Federation spokeswoman Valentina Parinova told state TV channel Russia 1.
Word comes as the International Olympic Committee is due to decide Saturday whether to formally reinstate the Russian team for the closing ceremony. Russia was banned from the Pyeongchang Olympics over widespread doping at the Sochi Games four years ago, but 168 Russians including Krushelnitsky were allowed by the IOC to compete as "Olympic Athletes from Russia" under the Olympic flag.
Krushelnitsky and Bryzgalova became the first Russians to compete at the Winter Olympics since the doping scandal at the Sochi Games when they competed in a preliminary-round game Feb. 8, the day before the opening ceremony in Pyeongchang.
A statement in Krushelnitsky's name published by state news agency Tass said he accepted the substance had been found in his sample but that he had not doped intentionally.
FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2018 file photo, Russian curler Alexander Krushelnitsky practices ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea. Russian curlers say a coach on their team told them that mixed doubles bronze medalist Krushelnitsky tested positive for a banned substance at the Pyeongchang Olympics. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)
"I accept a formal breach of the current anti-doping rules," the statement read, adding that he will waive his right to a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport because it would be "useless and senseless" for Krushelnitsky and Bryzgalova to fight the case.
However, the statement added that they consider themselves "clean athletes" and could contest any proceedings from the World Curling Federation, which could seek to have Krushelnitsky banned from the sport.
Russian curling officials have said they believe Krushelnitsky's food or drink could have been spiked with meldonium either by Russia's political enemies or by jealous Russian rival athletes who had not made the Olympic team.
CAS secretary general Matthieu Reeb told The Associated Press on Thursday morning that a hearing was still scheduled for 2 p.m. despite the Russian statements.
The Russian Curling Federation and the Russian delegation at the Pyeongchang Olympics could not immediately be reached for comment.
Associated Press photographers were there for San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Vazquez working in the shadows and the lighting of a cauldron with the Olympic flame at the ancient Parthenon temple in Athens.
Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya raised her arms in triumph while crossing the finish line at the London Marathon. Nelly Korda took the traditional jump into the lake after winning a record-tying fifth straight LPGA tournament at the Chevron Championship in The Woodlands, Texas.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate fought for the ball with Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca during the Europa League quarterfinals in Bergamo, Italy.
Retired Greek 400-meter hurdles champion Periklis Iakovakis lit a cauldron with the Olympic flame, which will burn at the upcoming Olympics in Paris.
The selection was curated by Mike Conroy.
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