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Lee loses Olympic spot after testing positive for illegal substance, Bernard named U.S. nominee

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Updated: June 29, 2012

6/28/2012

InterMat Staff
contact@intermatwrestle.com

 Stephany Lee will no longer be heading to London for the 2012 Olympic Games as a member of the U.S. Olympic women’s freestyle team at 72 kilos.

The 27-year-old Lee tested positive for a tetrahydrocannabinol acid, a marijuana metabolite, at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City on April 21. She has accepted a one-year suspension.

“I apologize to USA Wrestling, my teammates, my coaches and everyone who supported me for my mistake. I will continue to train, and hope to be able to represent my country at the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Lee said in a statement released through USA Wrestling.

Ali Bernard

Ali Bernard, who was runner-up to Lee at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, has been named the U.S. nominee for the 2012 Olympic Games at 72 kilos. U.S. Olympic Team nominees are subject to approval by the USOC Board.

Bernard, a native of New Ulm, Minn., was fifth at the 2008 Olympic Games. She is a returning World bronze medalist. She is also a two-time Junior World champion and a University World champion.