Cali Living by CBHine -- News about Hardy

The news that Jessica Hardy allegedly tested positive for a banned substance, has left many of us shook up here in Socal! Jessica is from Long Beach and we have watched her swim many times, she comes across as a wholesome, sweet, hard working young women. She's one swimmer I would never believe would do anything to cheat. She is known for her hard work ethic, but nothing is known or heard of any kind of drug use.

In case you are not sure what I'm talking about…….Hardy, qualified for the upcoming Olympics in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter breaststroke plus would be swimming on two relays. This is her first time to qualify but she has been groomed for this experience for many years.

She was tested at the U.S. Olympic trials in Omaha last month, and a penalty for a doping offense can result in a two-year ban. Recently NBCOlympics.com said that both her A and B samples have come back positive and that the substance was believed to be a stimulant

It appears that she has two chances remaining of getting back on the team in time for the Games, which start next month. A favorable ruling in arbitration could put Hardy back on the team and the last resort would come from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Another issue….. Official Olympic entries had to be made by July 21 and it is too late to add a swimmer who is not already on the team, meaning Hardy cannot be replaced by the third-place finishers at the trials, Lara Jackson in the 50 freestyle and Tara Kirk in the 100 breaststroke.

I just believe that this time, the swimmer in question is innocent. Something strange has gone down here and I hope it can be found out and rectified quickly, before it's too late for Jessica Hardy.