Jones in drugs mystery
American sprinter Marion Jones is at the centre of a new drugs controversy after her withdrawal from last night’s Weltklasse meeting in Zurich.
Pierre Weiss, general secretary of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), admitted there was “an option we cannot deny” that Jones may have failed a drug test.
Reports in the United States claim the 30-year-old has tested positive for EPO (erythropoietin), a blood-boosting hormone. Jones has already stated her innocence through her lawyer.
The IAAF is aware of the reports, and will have been put in the picture if Jones did return a positive sample.
Weiss told the BBC: “This is what everyone guesses – it is an option we cannot deny.”
Jones withdrew from yesterday’s Golden League meeting, citing “personal reasons” for having to return home.
