U.S. swimmer Jessica Hardy won’t get to compete at the Olympics in Beijing.
According to reports, the Southern California native tested positive for a banned substance.
Hardy can pursue appeals with the American Arbitration Association and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
With just two weeks til Beijing, Hardy could appeal directly to the arbitration court, whose ruling would be final and binding.
Typically, a first-time doping offense results in a two-year ban.
Hardy earned spots on her first Olympic team in her best event, the 100 breast, and the 50 freestyle and 400 free relay.
She was expected to be a medal threat in the 100-meter breaststroke, and to play an important part on the U.S. 400-meter free relay team, and possibly the 400 medley relay.
If she’s really innocent she should totally appeal.
Drugs are bad!
They always shatter dreams!
[Image via Getty Images.]