Sat, May 08, 2004 - Page 18 News List

Marion Jones says she's sure of the security in Athens

AFP , KINGSTON, JAMAICA

American sprint queen Marion Jones said she plans to use 24-hour security during the Olympic Games in Athens.

"I am confident that the US Olympic Committee will do everything they can to protect the athletes," said Jones.

On the risk of terrorism following the recent bomb blasts in Athens, Jones said: "I am confident that if there was any threat to the athletes, the US Olympic Committee would not send its athletes.

"I am just an athlete, I don't make the decisions but if they decide that the athletes are secure, then I will be in Athens without any concerns."

Jones, who is competing in Friday's Jamaican International meet here, reiterated that she doesn't take banned performance enhancing supplements.

"I am a drug-free athlete," said Jones. "Meet directors don't have any doubts or they would not invite me to their meet."

Jones is just getting back into her training routine after giving birth to her first child 10 months ago.

"I am taking it one meet at a time. My training is very similar to what it was in the past. I am working on my starts which is always a challenge for me and probably the weakest part of my race.

"I am also putting a lot of time into my long jumping."

The American is using the Jamaican outdoor meet as a tune-up for Athens. This will be her first 100m race and long jump of 2004.

"I am very excited to really be kicking off my season in the 100ms and the long jump here.

"I am at the stage in my career where I will not be giving predictions of what time I will run.

"I know that Tayna [Lawrence], Peta Gaye [Dowdie] and Debbie [Ferguson] will give me a good run for my money and I am looking forward to jumping for the first time outdoor since Sydney."

But Athens is foremost on her mind.

"I will go there [Athens] and win gold ... I am tired of that bronze stuff."

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