LOS ANGELES (AFP) — American swimmers depart Friday for the Beijing Olympics but whether or not Jessica Hardy will be among them remains to be seen.
The 21-year-old swimmer reportedly tested positive for a banned substance at the US Olympic trials that concluded July 6 and could face a ban that would keep her from making her Olympic debut next month at Beijing.
Swimming World magazine reported that Hardy, who was set to swim the 100-meter breaststroke and 50m freestyle plus help on relays, had tested positive and was no longer at the US training camp.
NBC television's Olympic website reported that both "A" and "B" samples from Hardy tested positive for what was believed to be a stimulant and that hearing procedures had already started to decide Hardy's Olympic status.
Without naming Hardy as the swimmer involved, USA Swimming executive director Chuck Wielgus confirmed the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is looking into a violation by a swimmer.
"USA Swimming has been notified of the anti-doping proceeding involving a US athlete," Wielgus said. "The matter is being handled by USADA and we are hopeful that the matter will be resolved expeditiously.
"Out of respect for the hearing process, USA Swimming will have no further comment at this time."
Hardy set a world 100m breast record of 1min 06.20secs at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal, a time that remains an American record.
Hardy was on the US Olympic roster submitted Wednesday to the International Olympic Committee for the Beijing Games, meaning the places in her races would have to be filled by other swimmers already on the US team.
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