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Nikolai Kuksenkov has tested positive for meldonium

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Initial reports coming out of Russia suggest that Kuksenkov's absence from today's event finals at Russian nationals were the result of his withdrawal on the basis of a positive drugs test taken on 15th March.

Valentina Rodionenko says the test showed a 'minimal' measure and stresses that gymnasts stopped taking Mildronate last August.  Investigations are taking place to understand how long the substance can remain the bloodstream after withdrawal.

This is obviously disappointing for the gymnast, coaches and the wider team.  We wait to hear more and to consider the implications.


Update 3/4 - WADA conducting research into the rate of excretion of meldonium.  Decisions about athletes' guilt are pending.  http://www.sports.ru/biathlon/1038710792.html
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  1. Anonymous4 April 2016 at 07:43

    Will Kuksenkov be barred from going to Rio now that he tested positive? I seriously hope not, because it would be a great loss for the Russia's MAG. Plus, it would be a shame not to see his sexy gaze in the competition. LOL.

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  2. Queen Elizabeth4 April 2016 at 09:01

    I think we will have to wait and see, pending the various investigations that are ongoing. At this stage he cannot be selected to compete at any international competition. These things take time :-(

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  3. Anonymous4 April 2016 at 17:51

    Geez...I wonder if this can affect the whole team. There are some speculation about how the whole Russian volleyball team could be banned from Rio because one single player tested positive for meldonium. I heard somewhere that this substance can remain in the organismo for months after the person stop taking, so maybe that's the reason why Kuksenkov and many others tested positive.

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    Replies
    1. Queen Elizabeth5 April 2016 at 09:49

      I've not read anything to the effect of the whole team being affected. That doesn't really seem to be logical.
      Then again, much that is happening in Russia and WADA is difficult to follow at present. The drug is now illegal and Kuksenkov probably won't be allowed to compete in Rio, barring a change of heart somewhere powerful. Let's just hope that no other positive tests show up in gymnastics.

      Delete

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