Russian rowers Nikita Morgachev and Pavel Sorin suspended from participation in the Tokyo Olympics due to doping

The Russian Rowing Federation (FGSR) suspended Russian rowers Nikita Morgachev and Pavel Sorin from participating in the Olympics due to anti-doping rules violation. The second doping test confirmed the presence of meldonium in their blood. About it reported on the website of the International Rowing Federation.

According to the department, due to the removal of Morgachev and Sorin, the Russian team will not take part in rowing competitions. Artem Kosov and Nikolai Pimenov, who were supposed to perform in the doubles four, will not go to the Olympic Games now.

It was planned that Morgachev and Sorin will be replaced by Alexander Matveev and Nikita Eskin. However, after analyzing their training, the FGSR decided to withdraw the team from the tournament.

“The coaching council of the Russian team has deeply analyzed the training results of two potential substitutes in the team and came to the conclusion that their skill level does not meet Olympic standards,” the FGSR said.

The Olympic Games in Tokyo, postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be held from July 23 to August 8 with virtually no spectators and in accordance with strict quarantine rules.