OSLO, Norway (AP) — Speaking through her tears, cross-country skier Therese Johaug denied knowingly taking a banned performance-enhancing drug.
Johaug, a three-time Olympic cross-country medalist from Norway, has tested positive for the steroid clostebol. The Norwegian ski federation said Thursday the drug came from sun lotion given to her by team doctor Fredrik Bendiksen.
“I am not guilty. I asked the doctor and he said it was not on the doping list,” Johaug said at a news conference, wiping tears away with her hands (video here). “And he said no.”
Bendiksen, who was also at the news conference, stepped down from his job after taking the blame for the positive test.