Jones back in champion's circle and wanting more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, June 24 (Reuters) The scene seemed so familiar.

There was Marion Jones, the US 100 metres champion, answering questions about her latest triumph.

Except Jones had not been America's sprint queen for four years until yesterday.

Childbirth, injury and scrutiny by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) despite never having failed a doping test had turned a golden career into one plagued by doubt and slow times.

Yet, flanked by the current and previous world champions, Jones had powered her way to triumph in the U.S. championships in the same stadium where nine years ago she launched her professional career with titles in the 100m and long jump.

''I'm back, and doing my thing,'' the 30-year-old Jones told the public address announcer.

''It's a satisfying feeling that I was able to endure a lot of stuff the past few years and kinda get things back together this year,'' she told reporters later.

''I've had the highest ups and the lowest of the lows, and I kind of feel now I am on my way back.'' Her winning time, 11.10 seconds into a slight head wind, paled in comparison to her career-best performances.

But she said she hoped it would be a stepping stone to future improvement.

She will try to win the 200m title beginning with a first round on Saturday, she said.

ULTIMATE MOTIVATION The controversy that has surrounded her since the BALCO doping scandal came to light has been a motivation, not A deterrent, she said.

''It has provided me with the utmost motivation to want to come back and reclaim the No. 1 spot in the world,'' said the 2000 triple Olympic champion, who failed to win a medal at the 2004 Athens Games ''I have a passion for the sport. I have a passion to compete and nobody is going to take that away from me,'' Jones added.

''This is why I press on. This is why I continue to train.'' European promoters are calling again, and races are on tap for Rome and Brussels in the coming months, with more likely to be announced.

The ultimate goal will be the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

''I am happy with my life, my world,'' said Jones, who minutes before her news conference had chatted with her son Monty, who will be three later this month.

''It's the first time he has actually seem me compete in person,'' Jones said. ''He told me, 'I saw you run, mommy. You ran fast.' ''It's a pretty cool feeling,'' said Jones.

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