The Russian cross-country skier himself reveals the positive test result – and says he cannot understand how it happened.

According to several Russian media outlets, Russian cross-country skier Andrei Parfenov has tested positive for meldonium, a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list. Parfenov has also confirmed the result himself.

“I recently received an unexpected and unpleasant result from a doping test. It shows traces of meldonium,” Parfenov said in a statement on Telegram.

Meldonium is a substance that can enhance endurance performance. It may reduce lactate production, improve the body’s ability to store and use glycogen, and protect against oxidative stress. It has been on WADA’s banned list since 2016.

Does not understand how it happened

Parfenov says he does not know how he could have ingested the banned substance.

“Throughout my entire career, I have been extremely careful with my diet and everything I have taken as supplements. So, this comes as a shock to me. I will now try to find out how I could have ingested this substance. I am aware that the anti-doping rules state that the athlete has full responsibility for everything they consume, and I must accept that,” said the 37-year-old.

“At the same time, I want to emphasize that I have never knowingly taken prohibited substances. This incident once again shows how fragile the careers of athletes and coaches are. For me, sport is not just a job, it is my whole life. Now I hope to figure out what has happened and draw my conclusions so I can continue my career as both an athlete and a coach.”

Andrei Parfenov is a three-time Russian champion in cross-country skiing and has achieved several World Cup podiums in the sprint and team sprint events.

Also Read: “The Russians have become much better, several may now be Olympic-ready”

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