7 Olympians who are getting bad press

Doping, competitive smack-talk and bizarre hoaxes have gotten these winter sports athletes some negative attention

Published February 8, 2014 1:00PM (EST)

For the next few weeks, the world's gaze will focus on Sochi, Russia, the host of the 2014 Olympic Games. With Russia's horrific anti-gay laws, reports of racism and trouble on the ground at Sochi, the Olympics are already getting plenty of bad press. Though no Olympians have mirrored that bad behavior (yet!), here are seven winter sport athletes who have made headlines for controversies of their own, including doping, marketing hoaxes and smack-talking:

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By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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