LOS ANGELES — Swimmer Jessica Hardy will try to have her possible two-year suspension "reduced substantially" after a failed drug test cost her a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said Friday the 21-year-old sprinter had withdrawn from the team nearly a month after she tested positive for a low level of clenbuterol, a prohibited anabolic agent, at the Olympic trials.

"She accepts the fact that the testing was properly done and the results properly reported," her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, said in a statement released late Friday night.

He said investigations were trying to determine the source of the clenbuterol. Once those are completed, Jacobs said, Hardy "will seek to have her period of suspension reduced substantially" by presenting evidence to an arbitration panel. Jacobs expects a hearing on the issue to occur within several months.

"Jessica did not knowingly or intentionally take any banned substances," Jacobs said, noting Hardy has cooperated fully with USADA since she was informed July 21 of her positive test.

"Jessica is heartbroken at this turn of events, as making the U.S. Olympic team was her cherished dream and proudest moment," Jacobs said. "She intends to resume her swimming career as soon as possible, and to again fulfill her Olympic dream in 2012."

In the statement, Jacobs said Hardy wanted to thank her teammates, fans and friends who have supported her.

"Their faith in her was justified and she will soon give them more reason to be proud of her and her accomplishments," he said.

Hardy had qualified for her first Olympics in the 100-meter breaststroke and 50 freestyle, along with the 400 free relay. She was a strong contender to medal in her specialty, the breaststroke.

Hardy will be replaced in the 100 breast by training partner Rebecca Soni, and in the 50 free by Kara Lynn Joyce, again giving the U.S. two entries in each event.