Chat Reel: Marion Jones

Sprinter ready for 100-meter rematch in Zurich

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Marion Jones. Thanks for being here.
Marion Jones: Thanks glad to be here. I'm happy to be on line with everyone, and I'm looking forward to answering questions.

From MJDDPT: Marion, what is the force that drives you as a person not just as an athlete?
Marion Jones: I think, overall the one thing that drives me is that I have a passion to enjoy life at its fullest. Not just on the track, but I want to enjoy life all the time. I like things to be simple and pleasant.

From Coach: Marion, are you interested in a career in the WNBA when your track and field career is over?
Marion Jones: I have aspirations of things connected to the sport and the league. Recently, I have done some commentating for the WNBA. I want to stay connected to the sport. But after track, I don't know if I will feel like playing.

From Hakeem in New York: How do you handle all the pressure from fans and media who expect you to win a gold medal every time you compete? And when you don't win, which is rare, do you feel disappointed because of the expectations?
Marion Jones: It's difficult sometimes. But I set my goals very high, -- higher than what my fans or the media expect. If I lose a race, I'm disappointed not because of the pressure, but because simply, I didn't win the race. I don't let outside pressure get to me.

From Ann in Miami: Hi Marion! Congratulations on your success at the World Championships! What events will you be competing in at the Goodwill Games?
Marion Jones: At the Goodwill Games I will just compete in the 100 meters.

From Eva: Hi Marion, would you like to coach track and field?
Marion Jones: I think that I will stay away from coaching track and field. I'm afraid I would put too much pressure on the people I coach. Basketball would be different. I coach a girls basketball team now.

From June Belle in Georgetown, Guyana: Hi Marion, congratulations on you recent success at the World Championships. We love you so much in the Caribbean. How do you manage to accept defeat so graciously when others do not? Keep it up, you are a wonderful person.
Marion Jones: This is very interesting question because I have ties to that area. But in terms of taking defeat so graciously -- it's just the way I was raised. When you win you have a duty to be respectful to your competitors, and when you lose it should be the same way.

From Jeff Watson in Edmonton, Alberta: Did you enjoy your stay here in Edmonton? You are the reason I bought tickets, and I was cheering for all the Americans. Thank you for being such a class act. And thanks to your teammates also.
Marion Jones: I had a wonderful stay in Edmonton. The people were so warm to all of the athletes. It was a treat to compete in front of them.

From Thomas: Congratulations to your great performance in Edmonton! How much did the defeat by Zhanna Pintusevich-Block effect you personally? Are you looking forward to racing her in Zurich on Friday?
Marion Jones: I don't know how much it effects me personally. It effects me as a competitor, because I haven't been challenged in a long time. So it gives me something to go out there and compete for.

From MJDDPT: I recently read an article that talked about your interest in bodybuilding. Do you have any aspirations of being involved in the sport?
Marion Jones: I enjoy watching body building on TV. In terms of me getting involved in the sport, I doubt I will do that. But I do enjoy watching the competitors training their bodies to be fine-tuned machines.

From cemuni2: Do you ever have any desires to be a heptathlete like Jackie Joyner Kersee, and do you have long-term plans to be considered the "Best Woman Athlete" ever?
Marion Jones: I have a lot respect for all the athletes who compete in the multi-events. And Jackie is my role model. But the one thing that would keep me from competing in that event is the 800 meters. Which, I have no desire to run.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have to with Marion Jones. Thanks for joining us, Marion.
Marion Jones: Thank you guys.