Jessica Adele Hardy was born on March 12, 1987 in Long Beach, California, USA. Hardy was a member of the 2012 USA Olympic team where she is competed in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle and 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay events. Hardy swam in the qualifying heats of the 4 x 100 meter medley as well. Hardy has made the 2008 Olympic's but left the team after testing positive for a banned substance called chenbuterol which Hardy attributed to taking a tainted nutritional supplement. Hardy received a one year suspension from the sport in May 2009. Hardy was a member of the University of California swimming team.