Triple Olympic champion Marion Jones has again denied any involvement in doping following a federal investigation into the BALCO laboratory in California.
Jones and her partner, world 100 metres record holder Tim Montgomery, testified before a grand jury investigating BALCO last year after the discovery of a previously undetectable steroid THG (tetrahydrogestrinone).
Speaking last night in Kingston, Jamaica, Jones said: "It's very simple. I have always been against drugs in sport. I have never taken drugs. I am not taking any now. I never will and it's unfortunate about everything that has happened."
Four people, including BALCO's president Victor Conte, have been indicted as a result of the investigation.
Jones, who will compete in the 200 metres and long jump at an international meeting tonight, said she would not have been invited to Jamaica if the organisers thought she had taken drugs.
"You have to understand that when you are a leading athlete and you are one of the tops in the sport, your name will be dragged around," she said.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
