Jessica Hardy, 21, the American record holder in the 100 meter breast stroke, tested positive for a banned substance just two weeks before she was expected to swim in the Olympics. She can appeal the results to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but if the results stand, as a first time offender, she will likely be dealt a two-year ban.
Her test results are confusing to some in the sport because, not only is Jessica Hardy is considered one of the hardest-working and most honest athletes in the sport, but not all of her tests came back positive. Hardy denies the results. "I never did anything wrong. I never cheated," she said.
Jessica Hardy made the Olympic team in three events: the 100 meter breast stroke, her best, the 50 meter freestyle and the 400 meter free relay. Since the U.S. Olympic team submitted their Olympic rosters on July 21, they cannot add a replacement swimmer to their team. It is unclear whether swimmers already on the team can take Jessica Hardy’s spot.
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