Sharapova Not The Only One Caught Out In New Drug Ban

Maria Sharapova is not the only athlete caught taking the newly-banned drug meldonium.

Sky's Paul Kelso said there's been a rash of positive tests since the drug became illegal on January the first.

"The women's 1500 metre world champion, a Swede. A Russian figure skater just this week. Two Ukrainian biathletes, six Hungarian weightlifters and the fastest ever junior marathon runner, a guy from Ethiopia".

Anti-doping authorities put the drug on WADA's banned list because it boosts blood flow.

The drug at the centre of Sharapova's doping case, Meldonium, is normally prescribed for medical use for periods of just four to six weeks.

The Russian tennis star said she'd been using it for 10 years for various medical issues.

The Latvian company that manufactures Meldonium, Grindeks, said a course of treatment can be repeated twice or thrice a year, on the advice of a physician.

Meldonium was regularly given to Soviet troops in the 1980s to boost their stamina while fighting in Afghanistan.

Serena Williams thinks Sharapova "showed a lot of courage" in taking responsibility for her failed drug test.

The world number one has reacted with shock to the news Sharapova failed a test the day she lost to Williams at the Australian Open in January.

"It's just taking responsibility which she admitted that she was willing to do and ready to do. I just hope the best for everyone in that situation".

Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer and German car company Porsche have joined Nike in distancing themselves from the highest-earning female athlete in the world while she's investigated for illegal drug taking.

Kelso said this is a measure of the post-FIFA world.

"Certainly, they're opposed to doping scandals in athletics. Many of which of course also involve Russian athletes. Sponsors do not want to get their fingers burned".

Kelso said it's striking how quickly they've moved away.

Radio Sport