Following the announcement that four Russian weightlifters tested positive for steroids at the IWF World Championships in Houston, the top men’s and women’s weightlifting coaches have been suspended. Russia’s Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko, stated that “someone must take responsibility” for the failed drug tests, but added that they could be reinstated following an investigation into Lovchev’s failed drug test.
Lovchev set a world record in the clean and jerk at the World Championships, but has tested positive for ipamorelin in his drug test. Alexei Kosov, Olga Zubova and Olga Afanasyeva were the other three Russian athletes that have been suspended following failed drug tests.
