Russian biathlete Irina Starykh has withdrawn from the Sochi Olympics after failing a doping test.
Starykh made the announcement in a statement posted on January 30 on the Russian Biathlon Union website.
Starykh said she would leave the Russian Olympic team "for an indefinite period."
Starykh said she received notification from the International Biathlon Union that her "A" sample tested positive for a banned substance.
Starykh, 26, was considered a leading contender for a medal in the women's biathlon, which involves cross-country skiing and shooting.
In her statement, Starykh called the test result a surprise and said, "I am sincerely sorry this piece of news has been associated with my name."
She also requested that doping authorities test her "B" sample for banned substances.
Starykh made the announcement in a statement posted on January 30 on the Russian Biathlon Union website.
Starykh said she would leave the Russian Olympic team "for an indefinite period."
Starykh said she received notification from the International Biathlon Union that her "A" sample tested positive for a banned substance.
Starykh, 26, was considered a leading contender for a medal in the women's biathlon, which involves cross-country skiing and shooting.
In her statement, Starykh called the test result a surprise and said, "I am sincerely sorry this piece of news has been associated with my name."
She also requested that doping authorities test her "B" sample for banned substances.