Report: Russian skate star tested positive for banned drug

By DAVE SKRETTA and GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports Writers

BEIJING (AP) — Olympic figure skating favorite Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned heart medication before her arrival at the Beijing Olympics, the Russian newspaper RBC reported, putting in jeopardy the team gold medal that she helped win earlier this week. The sample was reportedly obtained in December, when the 15-year-old Valieva was still in Russia, but did not come to light until after she had helped her team win the gold medal with dynamic performances in her short program and free skate. If the Russian team is disqualified, the U.S. team would be elevated to gold. It’s unclear if she would be allowed to participate in the individual competition.