The case centers on Aleksandr Krushelnitckii, a Russian athlete who competed in the mixed doubles curling event at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where his team won a bronze medal. During the Games, Krushelnitckii underwent two doping tests on February 12 and 13, 2018, both of which tested positive for Meldonium, a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. The concentrations detected were 8,069 ng/mL and 5,721 ng/mL, respectively. After being notified of the adverse findings on February 18, 2018, Krushelnitckii requested the analysis of his B samples, which confirmed the presence of Meldonium. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) subsequently filed a case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Anti-Doping Division (ADD) on February 19, seeking disqualification of his results, forfeiture of medals, and other sanctions. The World Curling Federation (WCF) joined as a co-applicant, requesting a provisional suspension beyond the Olympics. Initially, Krushelnitckii contested the findings and requested a hearing, but on February 22, he admitted to the violation, accepted a provisional suspension, and reserved his right to argue for reduced sanctions based on "No Fault or Negligence" in later proceedings.
The CAS ADD, acting as the first-instance authority under IOC rules, confirmed its jurisdiction over the case. The sole arbitrator, Judge Mark Williams SC, noted that once the violation was established, the IOC would no longer be involved, and the proceedings would continue between the WCF and the athlete regarding sanctions. The scheduled hearing was canceled following Krushelnitckii’s admission. The CAS ADD issued a partial award on February 22, disqualifying his individual results, including the forfeiture of his medal, diploma, and other awards, as well as the team results of the Olympic Athletes from Russia in the mixed doubles event. Krushelnitckii had already left the Olympic Village and returned his medal to his National Olympic Committee. The WCF’s request for a provisional suspension was granted, meaning the athlete would remain suspended pending further disciplinary actions.
The IOC’s role concluded with the issuance of the partial award, while the WCF would proceed with determining additional sanctions. Krushelnitckii retained the right to seek a reduction or elimination of his ineligibility period in future proceedings. The case underscores the strict enforcement of anti-doping regulations in international sports, emphasizing the role of the CAS ADD in issuing initial rulings and the subsequent authority of international federations in imposing further sanctions. It also highlights the procedural efficiency when an athlete admits to a violation, though final sanctions remain subject to further review. The outcome reinforces the commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability in Olympic competition.