The only U.S.-born Jew on Israel’s Olympic team will likely be disqualified from going to Beijing after failing two drug tests.
Swimmer Max Jaben, 22, who is slated to compete in the 200- and 400-meter freestyle events in Beijing, tested positive for the anabolic steroid boldenone in separate tests.
Jaben, a native of suburan Kansas City, denies ever taking the drug and is awaiting final word on his fate after a hearing held Tuesday by the Israel Swimming Association.
“I’m extremely upset,” he said. “I cannot believe that this happened. There has obviously been a mistake somewhere.”
Michal Schahaf, the spokeswoman for the Israeli Olympic Committee, said Jaben’s chances for competing in the Olympics looked slim.
