AUSTIN, Texas, CMC – Marion Jones has written a book that hit the stores yesterday, and in it she is contrite about the lies that sent her to prison for six months two years ago.
The sentence followed the former American track star lying to federal investigators about using performance-enhancing drugs, and her part in a cheque fraud scam.
In the book, “On the Right Track”, Jones wrote that she spent six weeks in solitary confinement as punishment for fighting another inmate, and this was particularly difficult.
“I surely wish that I could go back and change certain things in my past, on one hand, but then I wouldn’t be who I am today, someone who I’m actually really proud of,” said the 35-year-old Jones in an interview with The Associated Press that coincides with the launch of the book.
“If I hadn’t gone through certain things, and because I had those six months or whatever — just a lot of quiet time — if I hadn’t gone through it, I don’t know if I would ever have that much time to reflect. A lot of people don’t.”
The book is based in part on letters Jones wrote to her husband, Obadele Thompson, a bronze medallist for Barbados in the 100 metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“What transpired during the period when she was incarcerated was both a crucible, but also a wonderful opportunity,” said Thompson, who married Jones three years ago.
“She’s not one of these people who’s bitter. She’s not spiteful. She’s not looking to get even with anyone. She’s just turned it into something positive. She’s used it to take the next steps in life to rebuild.”
Jones won five medals in Sydney, but she forfeited all and prizes dating back to September 2000, after admitting that she used PEDs, and retiring from the sport three years ago.
Jones is now a mother, played for the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock outfit last season, and is ready to leave her sordid past behind.
“My story is unique, in that the first part of my life, my journey, I hit the pinnacle of my career, and it was a very public career, and then I made decisions that cost me all of that,” she said. “And so I was at that low point. But I didn’t give up.”
