Courtesy of http://marionknowstrack.com

Since she was 8 years old, Marion Jones has dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion. At the 2000 Olympic Games, Jones, now 24, may see her dreams come true, five times over. Marion Jones is the first woman ever to attempt to win five gold medals in track and field during one Olympiad.

Jones has the fastest times in the world in the 100 and 200 meter races; she is also on the women's 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays. Her fifth event, the long jump, has been her weakest in pre-Olympic trials, but she refuses to withdraw from the competition despite critics' recommendations, stating confidently, "I'll win."

Jones' unprecedented endeavors at the 2000 Olympics have earned her a great deal of attention from promoters, even though her sport has a limited publicity except during the Olympics. "She has already received more attention.than any athlete in history, more than Michael Jordan at one time," said Craig Masback, CEO of the United States Track and Field Federation.

Jones has put the endorsements to good use, speaking about equal pay for women, increased violence among athletes, and the criticism black students endure when they leave school for careers as professional basketball and football players.

Marion Jones' race to be the first woman to bring home five gold medals begins on September 22.

[Media Resources: New York Times - September 12, 2000; Time Magazine - September 11, 2000 ]