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The worst possible scenario became a reality for Marion
Jones’s teammates, as the decision was reached for them to return their Olympic
medals won in Sydney.
Even though Jones had already returned her medals, there was
still a lot of uncertainty regarding the outcome of debates on her teammates.
Jones's teammates on the 1,600 squad were Jearl-Miles Clark, Monique Hennagan,
LaTasha Colander-Richardson and Andrea Anderson. The 400 squad also had Chryste
Gaines, Torri Edwards, Nanceen Perry and Passion Richardson.
Chryste Gaines was quoted by the New York Times saying that
she had not received any notice, formal or informal, from Olympic officials and
does not consider an option giving up her medal. “It’s eight years later,” she
added to furthermore aid her case. She was also involved in a public scandal on
the use of performance-enhancing drugs and ended up with a two year suspension
in 2005, even though she pleaded not guilty.
Chief executive officer Jim Scherr, according to USA Today,
said: "We believe, very unfortunately, that the medals were not won
fairly. That, as Marion has admitted to a doping offense during those Games and
ran in the finals, those medals were not won fairly. Although we do believe the
athletes have the right to defend their medals," which is exactly what
they are expected to do, as some of them already contacted lawyer Mark
Levinstein. He was unavailable for comments.
Jim Scherr added that this goes to show how far the extent
of repercussions can be when it comes to such important matters and that it is
sad to see teammates, other competitors and fans having to pay the price for
one’s mistakes.
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