Marion Jones' Quest Blighted by Husband's Troubles
S Y D N E Y, Australia, Sept. 27 -- Marion Jones remains THE story of theSydney Olympics. It’s far from the story she wanted to tell.
What was to have been a joyous quest for five Olympic goldmedals barely has begun, and now she must deal with the issue ofperformance-enhancing drugs, the ugly underbelly of track andfield.
The disclosure that her husband, shot putter C.J. Hunter, testedpositive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone, creates a majordistraction in a sport where even a little trash-talking can throwa runner off stride.
“I think it’s tragic. I think it’s very sad,” said Kim Batten,the 1996 silver medalist in the 400-meter hurdles who waseliminated in Monday night’s semifinals. “‘I hope it doesn’taffect Marion. It’s tough no matter how you look at it for her. I’msorry for her. It’s a major event in her life.”
Ultimate Test
This will be the ultimate test for a 24-year-old woman whosecharm and poise mask an unmatched self-confidence and drive.
“The challenge that Marion Jones was facing, a real athleticchallenge, has only been enhanced by all the developments here thusfar,” said Craig Masback, chief executive officer of USA Track &Field.
There have been no reports linking Jones to use of bannedperformance enhancers. Only time will tell if all she accomplishesin Sydney is somehow overshadowed by her husband’s doping case.
In the past, about the only negative publicity Jones has dealtwith was criticism of her long jump style. Even the InternationalAmateur Athletics Federation, which broke the news of Hunter’stest, seemed sorry for the impact it would have on Jones.
Husband Plays Key Role for Her
“I regret that this news is breaking when Marion Jones isrunning,” said Istvan Gyulai, general secretary of the IAAF.“It’s terrible whether it’s true or not. It has nothing to do withthe Olympics.”
Jones had vowed to enjoy this, her first Olympics, as theculmination of a lifelong goal. Nearly two years ago, she publiclyset her sights on five golds, something only one Olympic track andfield athlete has accomplished. Paavo Nurmi of Finland did it inParis in 1924.
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