THREE U.S. GYMNASTS WARNED FOR MARIJUANA USE, RUSSIAN TESTS POSITIVE AGAIN

MOUTIER, Switzerland - Three U.S. gymnasts were given "severe warnings"
after testing positive for marijuana, the International Gymnastics
Federation (FIG) said Wednesday.

The three - who were not identified - tested positive following an
unannounced, out-of-competition test in January, FIG said.

"In the event of subsequent offenses, these gymnasts could be subject to a
suspension of up to two years. Gymnasts, be warned," the federation said.

FIG also announced that a second test of a blood sample given by rhythmic
gymnast Irina Tchachina of Russia had proved positive for the substance
furosemide. The tests were carried out during the world championships in
Madrid, Spain, last October.

Furosemide is a diuretic sometimes used by athletes to shed weight quickly
or to mask other substances.

Tchachina and her Russian colleague, Alina Kobaeva, already have been
stripped of the medals they won at the event after testing positive for the
same substance during the Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia, in August.
Between them, the teen-agers took gold and silver in every discipline at
both events.

The Russian rhythmic gymnastics federation has appealed the one-year
suspension given to the pair. FIG said it would decide later whether
Tchachina should receive a further punishment for the second positive test.