Marion Jones, the great US-born sprinter, is arguably the finest female athlete in the world. She has been voted the World’s No I athlete for three of the last four years and is, of course, the double Olympic champion in both the 100 metres and 200 metres. Indeed she is unbeaten in these two events this year.
Marion who dreamed of being an Olympic champion since she was 8 years old is a truly brilliant athlete. Not only is she the finest sprinter in the world among lady athletes, she is a fine relay runner and a very good long jumper. Such is her versatility that the long jump is often described as her weakest event and yet she is ranked No 4 in the world in that event. Obviously being a specialist sprinter means that Marion has to devote most of her training to the 100 and 200 metre dashes and is unable to spend much time training for the long-jump. Still she is good enough to get the No 4 ranking.
Marion was also a fine basketball player and one suspects she could have shone at a number of sports. She has great mental discipline, is very modest, and comes across in interviews as a very charming young lady. She does, however, stick up for her principles and is quite outspoken on issues which are close to her heart. She has advocated equal pay for women and is very concerned on issues affecting the Afro-American community, for whom she is superb role model. Even the accusations facing her husband, saw Marion responding with great dignity. Truly a great athlete and a great lady !