Statement from USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus on Jessica Hardy

Statement from USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus on Jessica Hardy's Withdrawl from the U.S. Olympic Swim Team Statement from USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus (1 August 2008) “As a result of Jessica Hardy’s withdrawal from the U.S. Olympic Team, USA Swimming will follow the published U.S. Olympic Team selection procedures, which were approved by the USOC, and posted in their final format on February 22, 2008. According to the pre-approved procedures, swimmers from the existing roster will be placed in the open events. Rebecca Soni will swim the 100m breaststroke and Kara Lynn Joyce will swim the 50m freestyle.”

Excerpt from 2008 Olympic Pool Selection Procedures included below:

U.S. Olympic Team Selection Procedures: Section IV - B

If, for any reason, an additional Team position or an additional event position shall become vacant after July 21, 2008, (entry deadline), no additional members shall be added to the Team. If USA Swimming is permitted to fill a vacant event position, such vacant event position shall be filled with the swimmer already on the Team who has recorded the fastest time in such vacant event during the period beginning January 1, 2006 through July 6, 2008, provided, however, that the replacement swimmer must agree, after consulting with the Head Coach and National Team Head Coach and General Manager, to compete in the additional event. If the replacement swimmer does not agree to swim in the additional event, then the replacement swimmer shall not be considered an Available Swimmer for that event. This process shall repeat until the event is filled.