Marion Jones to compete at Birmingham

Triple Olympic champion Marion Jones will compete in the 60 metres and long jump at the Birmingham grand prix on February 20th…

Triple Olympic champion Marion Jones will compete in the 60 metres and long jump at the Birmingham grand prix on February 20th.

Jones, who took last year off to have a baby, will make her return to competition at the Millrose Games in New York two weeks earlier.

"Marion Jones will run the 60 metres and long jump in Birmingham," her agent Charles Wells confirmed morning. Wells added he could not recall Jones ever jumping indoors before.

"After a year out of competition having a baby I feel it is important to get back on to the track at the earliest opportunity," Jones said. "I always enjoy competing in the United Kingdom"

READ MORE

A spokesman for the promoters confirmed Jones would be taking part and said negotiations were at an advanced stage with her partner Tim Montgomery, the world 100 metres record holder.

Jones's decision to jump indoors is a clear indication that she intends to include the event in her quest for multiple golds at the Athens Olympics in August. The 28-year-old American won a record five athletics medals at the 2000 Sydney Games, claiming gold in the 100 and 200 metres and 4x400 metres relay.

She won bronze in the long jump and 4x100 metres relay. Jones is the only athlete, male or female, to attempt to win gold medals in the Olympic 100, 200, long jump as well as both relays.