Maria Sharapova was only one of 99 positive meldonium tests since Jan. 1

Sharapova is not the only one, 99 positive drug tests have occurred since January 1.
(Image credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova confessed on Monday that she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open after the drug went onto the banned substance list on Jan. 1. The World Anti-Doping Agency says she isn't alone: On Friday, the agency reported that 99 tests since Jan. 1 have shown positive results for meldonium.

The New York Times reported Thursday that at least 60 athletes had tested positive for the drug, which is typically used to help with blood flow in heart patients. While many who have tested positive have not yet been publicly identified, among their numbers are Olympic gold medalist in short-track speedskating Semion Elistratov of Russia, Olympic silver medalist in wrestling Davit Modzmanashvili of Georgia, and world champion runner Abeba Aregawi of Sweden.

Sharapova's confession has split many in the sport. "I find it strange that there's a prescription drug used for heart conditions and so many athletes competing at the top level of their sport would have that condition. That sounds a bit off to me," Andy Murray told the BBC. Serena Williams, on the other hand, has defended Sharapova, calling her decision to admit to the positive test courageous.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us
Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.