Jessica Hardy's first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games.

Hardy's "A" sample from the recent U.S. Olympic trials tested positive, a person familiar with the test results told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. The person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the banned substance was a stimulant but did not provide any other details.

In Beijing, Hardy 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.

USA Swimming spokeswoman Jamie Olson declined to comment from the team's training camp at Palo Alto, Calif., where Hardy left to return to her family's home in Southern California, the swimmer's agent said.

Agent Evan Morgenstein told the AP that during a brief phone conversation with Hardy, she told him, "I never did anything wrong. I never cheated."

Morgenstein said he was told that Hardy had two negative results sandwiched around a positive sample. He did not have further details.

"I'm very, very concerned about the confusion of her test," Morgenstein said. "She's the one person I would never believe would do anything _ anything _ to cheat. Ever."

Swimming World magazine's Web site first reported the positive doping test. The Web site nbcolympics.com reported Hardy's backup "B" sample also tested positive.

If she chooses, the 21-year-old swimmer can pursue appeals with the American Arbitration Association and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. With just two weeks to spare, Hardy could appeal directly to CAS, 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. Continued...