Associated Press
Thursday, July 24, 2008

American swimmer Jessica Hardy's trip to the 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 told the Associated Press last night. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Swimming World magazine's 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 U.S. team's training camp in Palo Alto, Calif.

The Web site NBCOlympics.com reported that Hardy's backup "B" sample also tested positive.

Hardy earned spots on her first Olympic team in the 100-meter breaststroke, plus the 50 and 400 freestyle relay. She was expected to be a medal threat in the 100 breaststroke and play an important part on the 400 freestyle relay.

She would not be replaced on the team because the deadline to do so was Monday. . . .

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. team.

The national men's coach, Eddie Reese, said Shanteau just got the results of his final blood tests at the team's training camp in Palo Alto, Calif. They showed no spread of the cancer, which was discovered last month before the Olympic trials.

· U.S. DELEGATION: Michelle Kwan will be among seven members of the presidential delegation to the Closing Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.

President Bush announced the delegation, to be headed by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The president also listed Kwan, a two-time figure skating medalist at the Winter Olympics. Kwan attends the University of Denver, where she is majoring in international studies.

Kwan, who has Chinese ancestry, has made several trips to China in an unofficial diplomatic role, often accompanying Rice.

· BASEBALL: Colorado second baseman Jayson Nix was picked yesterday to round out the U.S. baseball team headed to Beijing.

USA Baseball also announced that three minor leaguers will replace players initially picked for the team. Pitchers Jeremy Cummings of Tampa Bay and Brian Duensing of Minnesota will join San Francisco outfielder Nate Schierholtz.