She earned the reputation as being the world's fastest woman. Now former track star Marion Jones is busy building a different reputation in Austin.
Jones is never far from a track field. When she met with KVUE News, she was on the sidelines of a track meet at St. Michael's academy, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
But it wasn't that long ago when she was the star competitor on the track.
During the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia Jones earned three gold and two bronze medals -- sports victories she says she'll never forget.
“It's certainly indescribable and an overwhelming moment nobody can take away from you,” Jones said.
But what can be taken away are the Olympic medals she won before a world audience.
That's what happened to Jones in October 2007 after she admitted lying to federal agents about her use of performance enhancing drugs.
Three months later, she faced the media again after being sentenced to six months in prison and stripped of her medals.
Now Jones is busy turning her negative experience into a positive message she delivers to young athletes and others.
“When you're facing a situation in your life that's critical -- that the consequences could be life-changing – stop, take a break. Step back. Think. Consult your advisors, your friends the people whom you trust to help you make the best decision,” she said.
Jones says her life would be different now if someone had advised her to stop and think before acting.
But what's done is done, and she refuses to dwell on her past mistakes.
Instead she's enjoying life in Austin where she and her husband chose to raise their family.
And while she's retired from competition, Jones is never far from races and relays as she helps inspire others to do their best, even if they stumble.
“Everybody makes mistakes, and like I said, it's what you do afterwards, and people see me making a positive difference in the community and they've embraced me and my family and we love it here,” Jones said.
Jones attended the University of North Carolina on a basketball scholarship and was a member of the Lady Tarheels' national championship team during her freshman year.
She has written several books and hints that another one about her recent experience may be in the works.
