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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, July 24, 2008

OLYMPICS
U.S. swimmer tests positive for stimulant

Associated Press

Swimmer Jessica Hardy's trip to the Beijing Olympics could be in jeopardy after testing 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, according to a person familiar with the test results who told The Associated Press last night. The person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the banned substance was a stimulant but did not provide any details.

The Swimming World magazine Web site first reported the positive doping test.

Mark Schubert, head coach and general manager of the U.S. team, and Dave Salo, Hardy's personal coach at Southern California, did not immediately return phone messages left by the AP.

USA Swimming spokeswoman Jamie Olson declined to comment from the team's training camp at Palo Alto, Calif., where Hardy has departed and returned home to be with her family in Southern California, the swimmer's agent said.

Agent Evan Morgenstein told the AP that during a brief phone conversation with Hardy, she told him, "I never did anything wrong. I never cheated."

Typically, a first-time doping offense results in a 2-year ban.

TEAM USA

596 HEADED TO BEIJING

The U.S. Olympic Committee will send 596 athletes to Beijing, according to a list the federation released last night.

The 310 men and 286 women will compete in 30 sports, including the newest disciplines — motocross, open water swimming and women's steeplechase.

BASKETBALL

JAMES HAS MILD SPRAIN

U.S. forward LeBron James likely will miss tomorrow's exhibition against Canada as he recovers from a mild right ankle sprain.