For years, American sprint queen Marion Jones kept everyone in dark, denying any doping allegations even to the extent to sue BALCO founder Victor Conte in 2004 for $25 million, who repeatedly accused her of the same charges. Though under scrutiny by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, she has never been charged with a doping offence.
Finally, seven long years after her triumphs at the 2000 Olympics, the three-time gold medalist has admitted in a recent letter to family and close friends that she used performance-enhancing drugs before the Sydney Games.
In the letter, Jones admitted of using the steroid known as “the clear” for two years beginning in 1999. Former coach Trevor Graham, provided her the substance, saying it was the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil.
The five-medal harvest at the Sydney Summer Olympics included three gold and two bronze that made her the most celebrated star of the games, but could now well be, stripped off the brilliance.
Once hailed the greatest woman athlete in the world, Jones presently also pleads guilty to an unrelated financial matter. She however, might face the maximum penalty for lying to the federal agent, which may lead to five years in jail and a $283,660 fine.
Via: Sportsillustrated
