IOC says Backstrom to receive Olympic silver medal despite positive drug test

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Swedish hockey star Nicklas Backstrom will receive an Olympic silver medal despite his positive drug test at the Sochi Games.

The IOC said Friday its provisional suspension of Backstrom — imposed hours before the Feb. 23 final against Canada — was “fully justified.”

But the IOC also stated there was no intention to improve performance and “the athlete should be entitled to receive the silver medal and diploma awarded for men’s ice hockey.”

The Washington Capitals centre tested positive for the stimulant pseudoephedrine Feb. 19. The IOC says Backstrom conceded at a hearing before the final he had also taken medication containing pseudoephedrine earlier that day.

Backstrom was removed from the Swedish team just before the final, which the Canadians won 3-0.

An IOC disciplinary panel found Backstrom had been “co-operative,” disclosed the medication in his doping control form and relied on advice of his team doctor.