Sacramento Running News

Yesterday, I stumbled on this rather startling interview of Marion Jones on the Daily Show.

You may remember Marion Jones from the 2000 Olympics, where she was an unstoppable and glamorous force for the US team, winning the hearts of Americans and five medals.

That summer, there was a whiff of scandal as we learned her shot-putter husband, C.J. Hunter, had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. (In his case, I think “doped to the gills” was the actual, scientific term used.)

By 2004, when Jones came to Sacramento for the Olympic trials, rumors related to the BALCO doping scandal were swirling and she was a pale imitation of  the runner we’d seen in Sydney.

While it seemed everyone around her was tainted, it wouldn’t be until 2006 that Jones failed a doping test (for EPO). However, the “B” sample tested negative and Jones went back to competition.

During the federal investigation of BALCO, Jones was finally boxed into a corner and she admitted to perjuring herself, and to using steroids during training for the 2000 Olympics.

Like many disgraced athletes, Jones has apologized. Unlike most other disgraced athletes, Jones went to federal prison for six months.

Now, unlike with most other disgraced athletes, I’m ready to say she’s paid in full.

Watch the video. Jones still hedges on whether she knew she was cheating. I find that difficult to believe.

I was surprised to learn she’s playing for the WNBA. She’s still charming and beautiful as ever.