Hardy's fate unknown as US swimmers leave for Beijing

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

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...