Promising Russian hurdler banned for steroid use

MOSCOW (AP) The Russian track and field federation says its top young hurdler has been banned for steroid use.

Maxim Kosyukov, 17, won the Russian national youth title in the 110-meter hurdles in June but tested positive for methenolone at the event and has now been given a four-year ban.

Russia is a major power in hurdles events, with Sergei Shubenkov the reigning 110-meter world champion. Methenolone is the same substance that led to Belarusian shot putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk being stripped of an Olympic gold medal in 2012.

The Russian track federation said Kosyukov's sanction was imposed by the Russian Olympic Committee.

The federation is not allowed to impose disciplinary sanctions because it is suspended from global track over allegations of systematic, state-sponsored doping.