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CNN Live At Daybreak

Marion Jones Talks about Running in the Goodwill Games

Aired August 29, 2001 - 07:33   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
VINCE CELLINI, CNN ANCHOR: Three-time Olympic gold medal sprinter Marion Jones takes the spotlight today in Brisbane, Australia, that's where this year's Goodwill Games get underway. And that's where Marion is right now and we want to talk to her down at the Goodwill Games.

So first of all, what brought you back to the Goodwill Games, Marion?

MARION JONES, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: Well, I had the opportunity of competing in the Goodwill Games in 1988. It was held in New York, and I had such a great time meeting different athletes from around the world and really getting a chance to come together and just have a good time. That, and also the fact that it was being held back here in Australia, the site of where I had quite a successful Olympic games last year. This year it is in Brisbane, though, a little bit different, but I'm having a good time.

CELLINI: Yes, first female runner athlete to win five medals in an Olympics in 2000 in Sydney.

Let's go back to the World Championships earlier this month, and after 42 straight wins in finals, a runner from the Ukraine beats you in the 100 meters. And after that race, a Greek runner suggested Marion Jones might be slowing down. What was your perspective on this as you've had time to reflect? Where are you as a sprinter right now?

JONES: No, I feel very good. I've had two big victories since the World Championships. And if you're a fan of sport, you know that sometimes people are defeated and I think the true sign of a champion is when you can come back and stay focused and win after the defeat happens and that's what happened.

CELLINI: Was it devastating for you? And how long did it take you to get over that defeat?

JONES: No, I wouldn't use the word devastating. It was a little bit difficult. It's been so long since I was defeated that I had to remember how to react, and so it took me a few days. But I've relived the race several times in my head, of course, since then. I've put it in the past, and now I'm looking forward to competing on Tuesday here in Australia.

CELLINI: Marion, what is it like to take the track and kind of be a marked woman, a marked athlete, everybody shooting for you on the track because you're the very best?

JONES: Yes, it gets difficult at times, and it's always being in the spotlight, knowing that everybody is gunning for me, but I train at a high level. I love to get out there and train and compete and it just kind of gets me pumped up knowing that everybody's out there to beat me.

CELLINI: I know you've gone through some personal changes as well, splitting with your husband C.J. Hunter. How has that affected you both personally and professionally?

JONES: Well, it's a difficult time. I think it's a difficult time for anybody, and particularly if you're an athlete who's in the spotlight and your personal and your athletic prowess's on the track are headline news. But I've used my track and field and my running as a release from everything else. And I'm really having, and enjoying my life.

CELLINI: Marion, you're like Michael Jordan, we've heard some hints about returning to basketball. Of course you had a national championship at North Carolina. Is basketball in your future?

JONES: Who knows. You know I will definitely...

CELLINI: OK, Michael.

JONES: ... continue...

(LAUGHTER)

JONES: ... running track for a few more years and then make the conscious decision if I want to go and play a few more years.

CELLINI: Well, Marion Jones, we enjoy you on the track. Best of luck at the Goodwill Games, and we wish you continued success.

JONES: Thank you very much.

CELLINI: Thank you. And you can see continued coverage of the Goodwill Games through September 9 on TNT and on CNN Sports Illustrated -- Carol.

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Michael as in Michael Jordan playing baseball?

CELLINI: Basketball.

LIN: Or basketball. Oh, basketball again.

CELLINI: Right.

LIN: OK.

CELLINI: He's coming back again.

LIN: I just thought it was runner playing -- switching sports. CELLINI: Keeping us guessing.

LIN: I'm confused, but I'm so glad you're here.

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