US Swimmer 'Tests Positive for Banned Substance'

Source: Jessica Hardy has failed pre-Olympics doping test
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 24, 2008 5:10 AM CDT
US Swimmer 'Tests Positive for Banned Substance'
In this June 30, 2008, file photo, Jessica Hardy swims in women's 100-meter breaststroke semifinals at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb.   (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

American swimmer Jessica Hardy's Olympics may already be over. The 50-meter breaststroke world record holder has tested positive for a banned stimulant, insiders told the AP. Hardy has the right to pursue appeals, but if they fail she could face a 2-year ban and Team USA will suffer a major blow to its Olympic hopes.

Hardy had been expected to challenge for a medal in the 100-meter breaststroke and play a key role in the 400-meter free relay. The 21-year-old's agent said the swimmer had denied doping and he was "very, very concerned" about  conflicting test results. He added "She's the one person I would never believe would do anything—anything—to cheat. Ever." (More Jessica Hardy stories.)

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