Despite failing a doping test for meldonium, Russian world swimming champion Yulia Efimova remains hopeful of competing at the Rio Olympics.
Her comments came on a turbulent day for Russian sport as four more meldonium cases were confirmed and the sports minister hinted he could step down.
In an emotional recorded statement on Russian state TV, Efimova said she tested positive for the recently banned endurance-boosting drug last month and insisted she was innocent.
"I categorically reject the accusation of doping," she said.
"At the current time, we are preparing for a hearing into my case. We intend to have the charge completely dismissed and to prove that I didn't break anti-doping rules, and I continue to train with the hope that I will compete at the Olympic Games in Rio."
A four-time gold medallist at the world championships, the breaststroke specialist is widely considered to be Russia's top medal hope in swimming at the Olympics.
Efimova, who won bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2012 London Olympics, could be banned for life if found guilty of a second career doping offence.
She was stripped of five European championship medals after testing positive for the banned steroid DHEA in 2013.
Her ban on that occasion was reduced from two years to 16 months after Efimova argued she had taken the substance by accident while trying to buy a legal supplement.
Share
