Report: Marion Jones fails drug test

Aug 19, 2006, 3:53 GMT

Washington, DC - Five-time Olympic medalist Marion Jones reportedly failed a drug test during the U.S. national championships in June.

The Washington Post reports the results have not been made public, but sources told the paper that Jones tested positive for EPO, an endurance-boosting drug. However, the newspaper reported Jones hasn't been charged with a doping violation since the results of a backup sample aren't confirmed. If that test comes back positive, Jones would face a two-year ban from U.S. Track and Field.

Jones has steadfastly denied using performance-enhancing drugs, but has been under pressure from the United States Anti-Doping Agency in regards to the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid distribution case.

Jones was the 100 and 200-meter Olympic champion in 2002 at the Sydney Games and also helped the U.S. 4x400-meter relay team to gold. She also won the bronze medal that year in the long jump and in the 4x100-meter relay.

© 2006 The Sports Network