Carolina Kostner Faces 4-Year Ban for Alleged Doping Scandal

Olympic figure skater Carolina Kostner is reportedly facing a four-year ban following an investigation into alleged doping violations involving her ex-boyfriend Alex Schwazer. 

According to Nick Zaccardi of Olympic Talk on NBCSports.com, an Italian prosecutor believes that "Kostner aided Schwazer in avoiding drug testers when they were together, which is why they are seeking the four-year ban. Kostner has denied wrongdoing."

The report also states Kostner and Schwazer were together "in at least one instance" when Schwazer met with Michele Ferrari, a doctor who has been banned and "used to work with Lance Armstrong." Zaccardi also notes that Kostner's attorney says Kostner had no knowledge of Schwazer doping or who Ferrari is. 

Schwazer was banned from the 2012 Summer Olympics after failing a doping test and subsequently received a four-year ban. 

Kostner is one of the top figure skaters in the world, winning a bronze medal in singles at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. It was her first medal in three Olympics, finishing ninth in 2006 and 16th in 2010. She has already announced that she would not be taking part in the 2014-15 season.