University of North Carolina Athletics
Marion Jones Claims 200 Title
August 11, 2001 | General
Aug. 11, 2001
By The Associated Press
EDMONTON, Alberta -- Even when she's not at her sharpest, Marion Jones can beat the world's best 200-meter sprinters.
Jones, who has not lost a 200 final since 1995, struggled to win her first world 200 title and extend her winning streak in the event to 27 finals Friday night.
Jones did not look smooth down the stretch but still had the strength to finish in 22.39 seconds and hold off Pan American Games gold medalist Debbie Ferguson of the Bahamas by 0.13 seconds.
The victory atoned for Jones' shocking runner-up finish in the 100 final, ending her string of 42 consecutive finals wins in that event, and was satisfying after she pulled up lame with back spasms in the semifinals of the 1999 World Championships.
"It's incredible," Jones said. "I was confident coming into the race."
Though she was confident, she was far from her best. The time was well above Jones' fastest of 21.62.
Still, she was able to add the world title to the Olympic gold medal she won in the 200 last year.
The popular Jones was given a standing ovation by the crowd of 45,085 at Commonwealth Stadium as she went past the stands blowing kisses to the spectators.
"I came here to win the 100, 200 and relay," Jones said. "It didn't happen. I was emotional today. I wanted this one. It wasn't that fast, but a gold medal is a gold medal.
"I was glad to get to the line first. I felt myself getting a bit tired at the end, and Debbie was approaching a little.
"I don't know about doubts, but I definitely had something to prove to myself. I had to prove I could still get to that finish line first, and I can still leave my heart out on the track."
Jones will run the 400 relay Saturday.
