Privalova says Jones's drugs confession is a tragedy

MOSCOW, Oct 12 (Reuters) Former Olympic champion Irina Privalova has said she would not be happy to receive the Sydney Games 4x400 metres relay silver medal the Russians will getafter American Marion Jones confessed to using steroids.

American Jones, who won three gold and two bronze medals at the 2000 Sydney Games, returned her medals this week after admitting she had used performance-enhancing drugs.

Privalova, who at the age of 32 won the gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the same Olympics, was also a member of the Russian team who finished third behind the United States and Jamaica in the relay.

''No, I'm not happy at all to get that silver instead of the bronze,'' Privalova, who retired after Sydney, was quoted as saying by the All Sport news agency.

''I'm not happy because Marion's admission to drug use is a real tragedy for our sport.'' Reuters SSC DB2103