WADA confirms 99 positive tests for meldonium since it was banned on January 1
By Associated Press
Last Updated: 11/03/16 5:10pm
The World Anti-Doping Authority has confirmed there have been 99 positive tests for meldonium since the start of 2016.
Meldonium was added to WADA's banned substance list on January 1, with the most high-profile victim of the change being former world tennis No 1 Maria Sharapova.
Sharapova is facing a ban from the sport after revealing earlier this week she had returned a positive test for the drug at the Australian Open in January.
WADA spokesman Ben Nichols confirmed to the Associated Press on Friday that there had been "99 adverse analytical findings for Meldonium recorded."
A total of 16 cases previously confirmed include seven from Russia, with further cases including participants from Ukraine, Georgia and Sweden.
Sharapova is one of four Olympic medalists to have tested positive for meldonium - the others are Russian speedskater Semyon Elistratov, Russian ice dancer Ekaterina Bobrova and Georgian wrestler Davit Modzmanashvili.
WADA announced in September that meldonium, once used to help boost the endurance of Soviet troops, would be banned from 2016, citing evidence of the drug's performance-enhancing benefits and widespread use in international sports.
Since Sharapova announced that she tested positive, WADA has been criticized by the Russian Government.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday that meldonium should never have been banned, arguing that it doesn't enhance performance.
