Ukrainian bobsledder is third Olympian to test positive for doping

The International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Thursday that Ukrainian bobsledder Lidiia Hunko has tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

In a statement, the ITA said Hunko failed her initial drug test after competing in a 2022 Beijing Olympics event on Monday. 

“The athlete has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended until the resolution of the matter in line with the World Anti-Doping Code and the ​​IOC Anti-Doping Rules applicable to the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022,” the ITA said. 

“This means that the athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any activity, during the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022,” it continued.

The agency also said Hunko has the right to challenge her suspension before the court of Arbitration for Sport – Anti-Doping Division, adding she has the right to request the analysis of the sample used in the test.

According to The Associated Press, Hunko is the third athlete and the second Ukrainian to test positive for doping at the Beijing Olympics.

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva, who has been the center of a doping controversy at the games, finished in fourth place in the women’s individual figure skating competition on Thursday.

The Hill has reached out to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for comment.