The World Anti-Doping Agency says there have been 99 positive tests for meldonium since Jan. 1, reports the Associated Press.
On Monday, 28-year-old tennis star Maria Sharapova admitted to failing a drug test because she continued to use the performance enhancing supplement after its addition to the WADA list on Jan. 1. The drug was monitored by the anti-doping governing body for 12 months.
According to the New York Times, most of the athletes to produce positive tests for the drug have not yet been identified publicly, as their cases are still in the process of being adjudicated.
The Timesreports:
“Other athletes to test positive include: Semion Elistratov of Russia, an Olympic gold medalist in short-track speedskating; Pavel Kulizhnikov of Russia, a world champion speedskater; Davit Modzmanashvili of Georgia, an Olympic silver medalist in wrestling; and Abeba Aregawi of Sweden, a world champion runner.”
The drug is used clinically to treat myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure, and is also banned by the International Tennis Federation’s Anti-Doping Program.
The ITF dealt Sharapova a provisional suspension to begin on Saturday.