JERUSALEM -- Israeli swimmer Max Jaben was suspended for one year Monday after testing positive for steroids earlier this year.
Jaben qualified to compete for Israel in the 200-meter freestyle at the Beijing Olympics, but was forced to miss the games after two tests in April and June showed he had used the anabolic steroid boldenone.
The 23-year-old Jaben could have faced a two-year ban but the Israel Swimming Association said it imposed a reduced penalty because it was his first offense and he missed the Olympics, spokesman Yaron Michaeli said.
Jaben moved to Israel from the United States in 2005. He will be eligible to compete again in June 2009.
Before immigrating to Israel from the United States, Jaben swam for the Kansas City Blazers club and for the University of Florida.