Vindicated Jones says she was 'devastated'

3-time Olympic gold medalist cleared by negative result on 'B' sample

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images file

Doping suspicions have dogged Marion Jones for years, but she has always vehemently denied using any performance-enhancing substances.

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updated 3:02 p.m. ET Sept. 8, 2006

For Marion Jones, the latest doping accusations provide an opportunity to inspire change in drug testing across sports.

“I hope really that this whole situation with me is used as a catalyst, a catalyst for more research and testing, a catalyst for better confidentiality,” the five-time Olympic medalist said Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

After competing for years under a cloud of suspicion, Jones’ “A” sample tested positive for EPO on June 23 at the U.S. track and field championships in Indianapolis, where she won the 100 meters, her 14th national title. But Wednesday, her attorney released a statement saying the backup “B” sample was negative. Both samples must test positive for it to be considered a doping violation.

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“I was just totally devastated that a mistake like this can happen,” Jones said on the show. “I’ve always said and I will continue to say that I believe in a drug-free sport. I have never, ever taken a performance-enhancing drug. I’m just quite pleased, happy, ecstatic ... that this ’B’ sample proves that I’ve never taken a drug.”

Jones, who turns 31 on Oct. 12, plans to waste no time getting back to work.

Coach Steve Riddick said late Thursday that Jones is aiming to return to the track Sept. 16-17 in Athens and then run at a meet in Shanghai a week later.

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“If she wants to compete she can. The lab said the ’B’ sample was negative,” IAAF president Lamine Diack said Friday.

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After a summer marred by doping scandals, Diack is convinced government must become more involved in the fight against doping.

“Only governments can make sure someone is stopped at the borders,” Diack said on the eve of the two-day World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany. “Only governments can make sure hotel rooms are searched. Only governments can stop cars.”

“That is where everything has to happen. With the governments we can reinforce the fight.”