China's Li Zhesi to miss London Olympics, says official

BEIJING - Chinese swimmer Li Zhesi, who has tested positive for a banned substance, will be out of the upcoming London Olympic Games, said Shang Xiutang, vice-president of China Swimming Association, on Saturday.

Li Zhesi in this Aug 1, 2009 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

"We've received the report of her doping test," said Shang. "And we will help the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) do further investigation. But Li for sure will not take part in the Olympic Games. Whether she can compete in the National Games next year will depend on the final result of the investigation."

CHINADA announced Saturday that the 16-year-old Li was found positive for blood-boosting drug erythropoietin, or EPO, in an out-of-competition test carried out on March 31.

"The drug was found both in the A and B samples," it said in the announcement, adding that the punishment has yet to be decided.

Li was a member of the winning team in the 4x100m medley relay event at the 2009 Rome Worlds. She was also the winner of the women's 50m freestyle at the 2010 Asian Games.

According to Shang, Li was not on the list of the first batch of swimmers for the London Games.