Former Olympian Marion Jones on moving on from scandal: ‘It didn't need to happen’

Stripped of her five Olympic medals in 2007, the track-and-field star now shares her next chapter with ABC News’ Robin Roberts.
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[@michaelbond9922]

Marions 2000 Olympics was actually what motivated me to start running as a teenager. Love to see her doing so well.

[@munkchip2324]

Ms. Marion has come a long way and I'm glad she has finally found a happy place. She fell short and now she's helping others feel empowered - An Awesome Come Back!!!!

[@arshedfazal]

She fell short? She f***In cheated! Falling short is when its beyond your control

[@prfirm7626]

She stole memories from thousands of people and dozens of families. She cheated, she lied, she taunted USADA when she knew she was guilty. She hasn't come back, she has been canceled. I will say this: She was chosen out of many and the story and reasons for that will be forever untold.

[@ediorfitzgerald1478]

We ALL fall down…but we must get up! 💝

[@itsTheTruthTeller]

Yes but we're not Olympians doing steroids foh!

[@tshepomalaka9679]

Just thinking of that one song ! We fall down …but we get up ! Such a melody

[@dreamqueen317]

@@itsTheTruthTellerso what? You she paid for what she did. She’s not a peodophile rapist or murderer. She lied and was lied to.

[@mastermao007]

@@itsTheTruthTeller no she was tricked she innocent

[@Pclub4ever]

@@mastermao007 lmao

[@marilynsue4273]

Nice to see she is doing well.

[@BlaqStar4524]

YIKES-Another Robin Video-why does this carpet muncher always interview women and you can see she is attracted to them? disgusting ABC channel

[@tmanchu]

Everyone deserves a second chance. I am happy she has found peace. One thing I'd say though, many got away with it.

[@annmariebusu9924]

Especially at that time, we noticed Marian getting bigger and the acne but there were others we saw too (like her major competitor). Her husband snitching on her is what I remember.

[@dreamqueen317]

Including Carl Lewis.

[@Revolver1981]

​@@dreamqueen317Yeah there's something dodgy about Lewis. And he was apparently caught but let away with it.

[@sismaibyakutaga9124]

As a kid watching Sydney 2000 Olympics I was absolutely mesmerized by her speed on the track. Good to know she is high spirits

[@robbiejterry7082]

Good to see you.. you were my neighbor in Austin... When you had your first child.. we delivered at the same hospital... I remember thinking.... How you stood up and did time when SO MANY OTHERS... DIDN'T... NOR DID THEY GET THE SAME TORMENT... HAPPY TO SEE YOU LIVING....

[@heartsthrob8681]

Hey I am from Austin and born there as well. I wonder, was it St. David’s Hospital?

[@robbiejterry7082]

@@heartsthrob8681 yes.. one of them.. I think... It's North Austin... Yes.. born and raised as well...

[@mariolanursecoachboardcert2460]

“It’s OK to reflect on the past, but we’re moving forward,” Jones told ESPN”- her words reflect deep healing and evolution to more dimensions as a human. Good for her! Right on!

[@YC72]

Still love her!

[@dreamqueen317]

Still love her since the 6th grade in 2000. Never changed my feelings never will. You are loved and not judged. Please forgive yourself marion and move forward.

[@moniquegordon1052]

She never gave herself the chance to win without the drugs. She can be forgiven but people will never forget.

[@kendallrhodes]

Forget what, that people fall short sometimes? I guess your baboon ass is perfect. #not

[@marwilliamson6996]

I was talking about the same thing yesterday. Marlene Ottey could not win a Gold Medal because Marion Jones were on Drugs. Cannot be forgotten. Not fair.

[@GenderLoin]

She was actually winning before the drugs and reporters incorrectly claim she used “steroids” which was not what she was given.

[@David-kd5gp]

Facts

[@BhayekaTshazi]

She's still beautiful ❤

[@ElimanGibba]

She is a strong woman, she will be fine . All the best to her.

[@steelcurtainsteeler2249]

They pick and chose who they want to take medals from... Carl Lewis tested positive for doping several times but his results were swept under the rug... Marion Jones will always be looked at as a cheater, Carl Lewis the winner of 6 Gold Medals..

[@gantswood]

So why did they let Carl Lewis go free and then let Marion get punished? They both represent the same country

[@fodaysaccoh3472]

Andrew Agasi the formal tennis player confessed how he was using drugs back then and the authority simply looked away

[@scribe712]

Carl Lewis claimed he consumed pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine inadvertently and the committee believed him. Marion Jones doped intentionally but lied about it. That's why she was convicted and stripped of her medals. You can find out more about it all via Google.

[@steelcurtainsteeler2249]

@@gantswood They were in different Olympics, Carl 84/88, and Marion 2000.. the difference is Marion Jones Husband ratted her out because he was caught in a doping scandal and check forging so he dropped a dime on Marion.

[@nolovelost4020]

Same for Maria Sharapova! How comes her 5 grand slam trophies weren't taken away and other tournament trophies?!

[@lifegenius763]

Personal redemption is indeed one of the greatest forms of transformation - none of us are perfect, we all make mistakes and poor choices, she’s owned it, paid the price, done her time, now making huge strides forward and living life authentically and staying on purpose - fair play Marion, keep up the great work and continue to inspire and teach the next generation 👍

[@marronrey489]

What about the coaches???surely they were in on it. An why solitary confinement? Sounds so severe…

[@ShizukaRose]

Crazy

[@GLSherette]

I remember when this happened. It was so disappointing when it turned out to be true. The coach was arrested because he was supplying the drugs. He and Marion's husband told on Marion as a part of their plea agreement. She served time because she lied to investigators under oath.

[@praisegod7992]

@@GLSherette They pick and choose who serves time for lying. And I oppose plea deals, because they incentivize people to lie. There should never be such a thing as a plea deal...if they can't prove the case, then let folks go free. A plea deal in my opinion is kinda like FIXING the outcome of a case.

[@scribe712]

Solitary confinement isn't always meant for punishment. Sometimes prisoners are placed there to protect them for other prisoners.

[@scribe712]

@@praisegod7992 So if prosecutors can't prove someone killed your loved one without the testimony of others involved, you don't want them to offer those people a plea deal? Yeah, right!

[@mscm4592]

Enjoy your life MJ - but do take it easy on yourself and your past. You are a human being - none of us are perfect. Relish your family and your life. Remember to constantly allow your spirit the grace of self-forgiveness. Good to see you being well MJ - Peace and Love to you and your family. ✌️ ❤

[@SandraPerkins-h7l]

Proud of you Marion! Keep going forward 🙏

[@lambsquad_9047]

Sad moment in time. But I also still love her.

[@jackieA34]

Me too ❤

[@JUNOtheArtist]

How brave of her to stand here today and do this interview. We ALL make mistakes. It takes true character to own it and rebuild! Thank you Marion, we love you!

[@DesmondGovender-bc8ut]

It's also takes integrity to not do certain things In the first place,either way she cheated and she has been generally forgiving by the public so that a good thing.

[@JUNOtheArtist]

@@DesmondGovender-bc8ut “he who is without sin, cast the first stone”

[@donnesiascott177]

She looks happy God bless her we’ve all made mistakes ☹️🙏🙏never too late to change’

[@user-eu2me4bp7j]

Very proud of her, everyone deserves a second chance ❤

[@believe1236]

Good for her. I am glad that she has over and helping others from her experience.

[@lelitosuno]

I was a little kid so excited when she visited us in Belize 🇧🇿 they dedicated our main sporting complex to her . The country was proud now we have a strange relationship with this memory .

[@tibby6163]

Why strange? She was talented without the performance drugs and we all make mistakes. I hope your country looks at it as a symbol of redemption or transformation 😢😢

[@prestonfirmin3470]

A sad but positive story. Redemption is the best ending!

[@pubuduis]

She cost other honest athletes the chance to be in an olympic podium. She should apologise for that instead of talking nonsense. America is full of these types of people, Armstrong being another.

[@marwilliamson6996]

❤

[@babat979]

I am so happy for Ms. Jones that she had moved on. She is one of my best track and field athlete and always. We all make mistakes, learn from it amd move on.

[@SakirMorsy719]

They can never make me hate you. Love you always, Marion

[@andyroo9381]

I remember this ugly scandal. As an American, I was so disappointed with it all. Marion Jones let me down along with the rest of America. I don't know why athletes take steroids to win. If you take PED's, then you are NOT winning.

[@SO-if3yn]

Completely forgot about her. Thats crazy. Media stopped covering her.

[@doriandd4648]

That little girl smile is impossible to hate. Glad she’s forgiven herself. Other athletes have killed themselves over the same thing.

[@mddi1420]

She is a disgrace, a shame she got platform. Should be on dumpster for ever alongside with lance amstrong too

[@LogeshwaranM]

Can you name those ?

[@caramelhoney29]

I’ve always respected her. She is a good person and her conscience got to her. She didn’t have to come forward. But she made the decision to tell the truth. I’m sure so many others will never tell the truth.

[@MariaM-zl5rs]

Wasn't she forced to due to getting caught/the federal investigation (and her husband's confession)? It was my understanding she denied it until she was no longer able to. She was also the first to point the finger and condemn other athletes for PEDs at the time, she was really vocal about it, ironically. Either way, she deserves a new start just like anyone else and looks like she's made the best of it.

[@prfirm7626]

You don't know her. She wasn't a "bad" person but far from being a "good person".

[@DonovonMimi]

It's too bad because she had real natural talent

[@shevyweston5088]

Yep

[@Bepecoll]

Cierto.

[@petes1742]

she cheated from as early as high school - so, must have not been that talented.

[@notundermywatch3163]

​@@petes1742does anyone knows what substances she was on?

[@Ekow_Gh]

@@petes1742damn! Thats bad

[@IamPistoG]

Lost me at LGBQT.

[@SouthSideLadyWright]

I agree💯

[@dawnbillingslea4143]

The fact that she did not have to disclose this point! I already knew all those years ago!! AND I STILL LOVE HER!❤️🙌🏽🥰

[@batfunk8082]

Stay lost! 🙄

[@zchbddy90]

How dare someone be happy and live their truth instead of being miserable and wanting to end their life! GFY!

[@channadunu]

I guess her life has gone from bad to worse. When she said LGBTQ. Marion only Jesus Christ is the answer for all your problems. You are still confused. Open your heart to Jesus and be delivered of all this filth. God Bless you

[@DavidChapman-hu2eq]

Met this lovely lady with my 14 son in 90s autographs and photos only just read post im so sad and shocked the memories will stay in my heart lovely beautiful lady ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@T.Devine55]

Good basketball player as well # glad you back Marion Jones & good luck on your future endeavors!

[@alw6759]

She robbed others from their dreams and hard work.

[@lf67hh28]

6 of 8 finalists in that race failed the test.

[@christophervennix9861]

@@lf67hh28 And there were 84 total entries into the event. Even assuming you are correct on 6 of the 8 failing the test (I can only find information on 2 actually failing doping tests), the point still remains that ~80 young women's dreams and hard work were robbed.

[@Number1Centre]

@@christophervennix9861 Bruh there's tons of doping. Even by losing athletes. Often some aren't caught cause they're using drugs that aren't tested, or masking agents. Athletes on drugs win or lose to athletes who aren't on them. Regardless. She's paid and medals were reassigned. You don't need to be a fucking Karen in Twitter comments crying white dude bullshit like "dreams and hard work were stolen". At some point, people have paid. And just cause you're a failure, doesn't mean we have to punish them forever, so you feel superior

[@notundermywatch3163]

​@@christophervennix986180~ women didn't have the athletic ability to be anywhere near a medal even they were on PEDs

[@christophervennix9861]

@@notundermywatch3163 3/4 of those other women ran sub 12 second times, which minus dopey here, puts them within tenths of a second of winning the race. Cheryste Gains missed a place in her qualifying due to Marion. She ran 11.23 seconds, enough to be within 3 milliseconds of a bronze medal.

[@d.k.ddidikidukaan74]

Someone has said... Our life is a message to the world... Make sure it's inspiring... Marion mam you were and you are my inspiration... Wishing you life's best... Stay blessed.. ❤❤❤

[@Mil-w6d]

I am glad she’s happy ❤

[@anovemberstar]

I really admire that she was honest in the end, HOWEVER - to continue to say she would have been as successful not drug cheating, doesn't speak to true accountability IMO

[@lf67hh28]

She was already a world champion and quickest in the world prior to taking PEDs - her statement could certainly be accurate. Her competitors were all on PED's...which is factual information. She had to level up, and did by doing the same.

[@RudigerArbuckleIII]

She was scapegoated in 2000. Everyone else is doping. Why did she get caught? Lame.

[@dorisgreen311]

They catch who they want to catch and make an example, scapegoat out of them. Despite knowing this, people are still willing to take the chance of not being that one who falls under the microscope and gets caught. Unbelievable that so many human beings have this mindset instead of letting their natural talent do the work. Human beings love to be revered above others and will go to extreme measures to accomplish what might have been naturally achieved. Oh, the irony that exists when fate ends up shaming you instead of the reverence you were seeking. Pretty sad when you think about it.

[@scribe712]

If she hadn't used the drugs, she wouldn't have been convicted. Scapegoated or not, SHE was the one who caused her own downfall. Not anyone else.

[@lf67hh28]

@@scribe712 The entire US track team were using BALCO, she is one of the few they persecuted. Equally, on most occasions the athletes didn't know they were doping, you trust the medical side to your teams doctors when they supply you with supplements. Canelo takes PEDs and has been busted on several occasions yet he still boxes and still keeps his belts. Its a PR exercise when they decide to bury these athletes. Lance Armstrong is the finest example, EVERY TDF cyclist was doping, he is the one they wanted and got.

[@LM-he7eb]

Her & lance were absolutely targeted.

[@JayJayTravels]

Why didn’t she ever apologize to her teammates who also lost their medals due to the doping?

[@Randavo]

When I saw you on TV at Sidney, it brought back memories of my early years. My family and I would always be your supporters.

[@mikebenale7529]

I'm a Marion Jones from the beginning and still am today. I'm glad you're doing well. Blue 💙

[@LadyNStreet]

She is still one of my favorite athletes ❤

[@deejohnson4793]

Glad you have moved through the negative times. People make mistakes. Solitary confinement, don't understand. U are an inspiration!

[@ediorfitzgerald1478]

I love her and have always and will always send her blessings of joy, peace and self-forgiveness. I wish her all the success and happiness her heart can hold.💖💝

[@DanielAdisi-ps6wq]

Amazing human being❤

[@cynthiaevans7371]

I was just thinking about her. So glad to see her thriving.

[@ptulip]

So sad. She takes accountability and is moving forward. She seems happy. What a story.

[@Chris-wj8fz]

We love you in Australia 🇦🇺

[@stephaniethomas2223]

SHE WAS TO SWEET TO GO THROUGH THAT AND I DID NO THEY DID ALL THAT TO HER❤❤

[@scribe712]

They didn't do anything to her. She used banned substances and lied about it. She did it to herself. Case closed.

[@RudigerArbuckleIII]

Completely agree. Just funny that most top-tier track athletes are probobly all doping and only she was made an example of.

[@randallarmstrong1840]

She cheated and lied until she could not possibly cheat and lie anymore.

[@kissedbyarose5169]

This beech stole medals, moments, the chance to hear their anthems, sponsorships EVERYTHING from deserving athletes! Especially the Jamaicans

[@Nikki_Thee_Broad]

This was such a blessing!

[@jmbrooks82]

Till this day this still hurts me... Love Marion Jones either way!

[@Shakazulu1987]

So well spoken! Still a champ to me! 😊

[@Present4]

Thought she was still married?

[@BlaqStar4524]

YIKES-Another Robin Video-why does this carpet muncher always interview women and you can see she is attracted to them? disgusting ABC channel

[@ginacleveland7995]

⁴

[@ng-r8765]

The doping and cover ups by the USDA! All those medals that the US won on the track for all those Olympics are forever tainted. Many athletes from other countries never got their moments because of them and while we can forgive, we will never forget!

[@marwilliamson6996]

❤

[@cheekiereynolds]

Marion will ALWAYS be a champion in my eyes 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@OMProductions81]

Much success. No testimony without a test.

[@birdie4223]

None of us are perfect!!! She found herself ❤

[@hennesseyme9112]

She has never blamed anyone for what she did. I always thought she was too arrogant, but failure has a way forcing us into humility. I pray the rest of her years are blessed.

[@l.b.9567]

She was never arrogant

[@hennesseyme9112]

@@l.b.9567 Oh yes she was, but I have never heard her blame anyone else. She did say her trainer gave her something to drink, but she never said it was his fault. I respect her for that.

[@krystofsimek1134]

She was, is and aleays will be my favorite runner!!!! I was obsessed with her in the early 00's

[@gargoyleblaster786]

she is in "good company" with lance , people dont use drugs and dont play in that dirty game and stop cheating and cover it cuz eventually it will go against you

[@SouljaSlash]

the prettiest ppl do the ugliest things sometimes . it happens to all of us

[@jimmyhyun8546]

Don't understand why she alone got so much flack. Literally all sprinters do PED's.

[@prfirm7626]

Well, not all got caught but if you want to start naming people I am certain there attorneys would love to hear from you.

[@drewbranch7700]

“Literally all sprinter do PED’s”,is that a vacuous statement or could you please contextualize your point,so some of us can be convinced.

[@jimmyhyun8546]

@@drewbranch7700 One of the all time greats Carl Lewis popped. Ben Johnson popped. It's pretty known that all pro sprinters do PED's. It's kind of like the Tour De France. Everybody is on it.

[@Mitzymorris]

Ben Johnson

[@CluedUp23]

​@@drewbranch77007 out of 8 of the finalists in the mens 88 100m final eventually tested positve. Theres the context.

[@warriorj8658]

She moved on and she’s happy. Life goes on.

[@grospipo20]

Didn’t she date Tim Montgomery?

[@abernard3294]

Not one mention about her husband Obadele Thompson who held it down and supported her 100% during all of her mess ups. Not sure about this was huge fan but after the denials and then found guilty. Always found her character to be a bit off. There are other things going on. This is just another new thing for her.

[@LM-he7eb]

I'm pretty sure her husband ratted her out

[@Atticus75]

Finding out Marion Jones was a drugs cheat broke my heart as a sports fan. Pleased she has found happiness in her personal life.

[@792bnz]

Everyone was doping. She did what she had to. Doping or not, you still gotta put in the work. She's still one of the greatest sprinters of all time

[@annmariebusu9924]

I was a big fan of Marion as a kid. Still love her and I hope she is doing well after her downfall.

[@smithj8026]

Wan de April….. why did I start thinking about HS English class and the Canterbury Tales. ❤

[@jbt6007]

Wow I forgot about this scandal. I hope she does well in her second chapter.

[@tonika7543]

Glad to see she’s doing well and successful life off the track.

[@riccouchman5604]

Power to her for moving forward. Sadly, her story continues with many of our top athletes today. Ms M Jones 2.0 was evident in two women’s event at the recent Paris Olympics with one competitor completely outdistancing and destroying the second place finishers in both events. These athletes are able to get past scrutiny. But truth will out.

[@AndeD-]

God Bless everyone who fell and stood upright after. Keep going everyone ❤

[@jaquegardner373]

What beautiful spirit

[@AtlantisIsMyHome]

EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE ESPECIALLY IF YOU’VE PAID THE CONSEQUENCES… GOD BLESS YOU MARION JONES & GOOD LUCK!❤️✨🙏🏽🥰

[@alioucisse1548]

Still as beautiful as ever ❤❤

[@Sonofagreatdad]

i would like to see the proof of this solitary confinement claim

[@Toxica9944]

She was a favorite of mine as a kid.

[@dangould3406]

A young women made some mistakes and paid a big price. Maybe it was just, but how in the world does Trump walk the streets? He does what she did every day of his lying 78 years of living. I say Trump for prison and I am not trying to be funny. I wish Marion Jones well she seems intelligent and nice.

[@Pilotpaulie]

The trump derangement syndrome is strong in you.

[@jimberlygridder183]

No he doesnt. And no he hasnt. If you cant see that the game is super corrupt you are naive or stupid. And that is why they come after Trump. Hes the one thats NOT. Hes the one they cant buy. Hes the one that throws a monkey wrench in their plans.

[@virgilius7036]

This is not your case! Why is Trump in jail, you are no better than him. You are a Democrat who hates Republicans and democracy?

[@lgarcia67]

The million dollar question

[@KarenPatrol123]

You’re on point!!!!!!

[@virgilius7036]

She was the best in her time!

[@johnmoh1]

No she was a cheater.

[@obimalope8154]

How? When she was on drugs?

[@luisafrance1635]

She was the best, one of the strongest female athletes ever ❤

[@BlaqStar4524]

YIKES-Another Robin Video-why does this carpet muncher always interview women and you can see she is attracted to them? disgusting ABC channel

[@anovemberstar]

SHE TOOK DRUGS TO CHEAT!!!!

[@ROSH1503]

Pretty sure the coaches and her husband fked her career up, she was great without the doping and I’m certain of it! She was blistering, I remember her as a 8yo

[@Skepe23]

Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone gets caught! You did your time, now live your life!

[@mouhamadfaal8531]

Why exposing your private life again...Another bad choice...

[@j.d.v.n.]

Great to see you, Marion! Best wishes to you!

[@magichead79]

I was in the stands watching her first heat at the Sydney Olympics

[@jackiem3740]

its crazy that after more than a decade they still wont stop askng her about drugs. its synonymous with her name to this very day.

[@karondeshields3525]

Twelve Chinese swimming athletes tested positive for drugs in recent years and their authoritarian government along with WADA declined to take action! These individuals were allowed to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics as per the New York Times! How fair is that to the other athletes who were disciplined, made enormous sacrifices, and who played by the rules?

[@sonia68ish]

Yes, the Chinese swimmers are doping, but it’s the same thing with the US track. They are all doping.

[@mk25041]

« ✌🏾You guys would’ve known✌🏾 » is hilarious

[@mrwhizzkhalifa]

We all make mistakes. Nobody in these comments hasn’t made one. Good luck to her.

[@itsTheTruthTeller]

Yeah but we never did steroids and sh*t foh😂

[@obimalope8154]

She made a choice not a mistake..

[@johns1600]

She made multiple scummy choices that hurt real ppl, now she's mentoring? Get a grip

[@mrwhizzkhalifa]

@@johns1600I’m sure you’ve had to be forgiven before my friend

[@CBarber22]

16 years later she still says she would have had the same success without the drugs. That doesn't sound like someone that has learned from their mistakes, it sounds like denial which is the first phase of self recovery.

[@khn5448]

Her and her husband both doped up and stealing other peoples success disgusting

[@cheriphaconnell8437]

Her 1st husband.

[@nicolad8822]

Stupid thing is she would have won clean.

[@Gandrewjm]

No. She doped to be competitive. Without cheating she was struggling.

[@benwichard3623]

She wasn't winning hence she starting taking steroids

[@mikehoncho3695]

Still profiting from acompishments she didnt earn nice .😅

[@lf67hh28]

She did earn them, unless you're saying she literally never trained or ran? you know of the field in the final 6 of the 8 were all in the BALCO scandal, yet they only punished her? Perhaps don't be a simpleton and wake up to politics running these things. Same as Lance Armstrong, they all do it and all fail tests, but they only want the biggest fish for a headline. If Canelo was American they'd have him buried by now for his many failed tests.

[@sirjam327]

Will she ever get a break? No one should have to replay a mistake each day for the rest of their life.

[@jamesmajorburns6820]

Loved her growing up