A top Chinese swimmer has been banned for life for doping only six weeks before the start of the Beijing Olympics.

Ouyang Kunpeng (file photo)

The Chinese Swimming Association said Friday, it imposed a lifetime ban against star backstroker Ouyang Kunpeng after he failed an out-of-competition drug test on May 1.  Ouyang's coach, Feng Shangbao, also received a life-time ban.

The association says it is cracking down on doping violations.  First time offenders usually receive a two-year ban.
 
Ouyang competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics and won three silver medals at the 2006 Asian Games.  The 25-year-old was considered perhaps Olympic host China's best chance of winning a backstroke medal this August.

Ouyang is the biggest-name Chinese swimmer to fail a doping test for several years.  Chinese swimmers were involved in a series of doping scandals in the 1990's. 

Some information for this report was provided by  AP and Reuters.