LOS ANGELES — Swimmer Jessica Hardy’s trip to the Beijing Olympics could be in jeopardy after she tested positive for a banned substance, according to a person familiar with the test results.
Hardy’s “A” sample from the recent U.S. Olympic Trials tested positive, the person said Wednesday night.
The Swimming World magazine website first reported the positive doping test. The website reported Hardy’s backup “B” sample also tested positive.
If so, the 21-year-old swimmer can pursue appeals with the American Arbitration Association and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. With the Olympics two weeks away, Hardy could appeal directly to CAS, although its ruling would be final and binding.
Hardy’s name was among the 596 athletes officially entered into the Beijing Games on Wednesday by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Hardy earned spots on her first Olympic team in her best event, the 100-meter breaststroke, and the 50 freestyle and 400 free relay. She was expected to be a medal threat in the 100 breaststroke and to play an important part on the 400 freestyle relay, and possibly the 400 medley relay.
Shanteau cleared for Games.
Eric Shanteau, who decided to put off surgery for testicular cancer until after the Olympics, has been cleared to head to Beijing with the U.S. swim team.
“It’s just a big weight off my shoulders, more than anything else,” Shanteau said. “I’m walking a little lighter right now, which is great.”
Since being diagnosed last month, Shanteau, 24, has been closely monitored to make sure there’s no sign the cancer is spreading. This week, after getting the results of a final round of blood tests before the team breaks camp in Palo Alto, Calif., he was given the go-ahead to make the trip overseas.
James likely to miss exhibition vs. Canada
LAS VEGAS — U.S. forward LeBron James likely will miss Friday’s exhibition against Canada as he recovers from a mild right ankle sprain.
“If the gold medal game was tomorrow, he’d play,” coach Mike Krzyzewski said.
Footnotes.
Two-time figure skating medalist Michelle Kwan, a student at the University of Denver majoring in international studies, will be among seven members of the presidential delegation to the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
• Brazilian beach volleyball star Juliana said she expects to compete in the Olympics — and win — despite a knee injury during qualifying that kept her off the sand for a month heading into the Games.
• A German television report on the availability of gene doping in China has stunned anti-doping experts. In a documentary by ARD television, a Chinese doctor offers stem cell therapy to a reporter posing as an American swimming coach. The report, filmed with a concealed camera, shows the doctor with his face blurred speaking in Chinese and offering the treatment in return for $24,000, according to a translation provided by the ARD television.
The Associated Press
