TORINO: XC: 2 U.S. athletes cleared after hemoglobin incident{mosimage}PRAGELATO, Italy - Two U.S. cross-country skiers who were placed on a no-start hold due to elevated hemoglobin levels last week were cleared to start by the International Ski Federation.

U.S. Olympic Team medical officials received the clearance following re-testing by the two athletes, Leif Zimmerman and Kikkan Randall, Monday.

"We're happy to have Leif and Kikkan cleared to compete," said U.S. Ski Team nordic director Luke Bodensteiner.

Randall is scheduled to compete in Tuesday's team sprint event, which is making its Olympic debut. Zimmerman is likely to see action later in the Games, possibly in the 50-km event.

- USSA