Marian Jones stunned the athletic world

American woman sprinter Marian Jones’s downfall was startling news that shocked and stunned the sporting world last week.

Exactly seven years ago in Australia, she was a sweet angel who was the cynosure of all eyes. She was simply unstoppable, amazing, glamorous and a superwoman on the track.

Even those who never watched athletics stood before their television sets to see the charming Marian Jones, who won millions of track and field fans with her simple smile. True it was a genuine and simple smile but there was another story written all over her face. There was hardly anybody who could not resist that smile, which won hearts of millions of people from all corners of the globe.

Yes, Marian Jones was simply a superstar at the 2000 summer Olympic Games in the New South Wales capital of Sydney. She looked like a goddess to all sports fans as she proudly posed for the photographers with the five medals she won. That included three gold medals and more importantly that elusive sprint double.

But as she celebrates her 32nd birthday tomorrow, Jones is an athlete who had run from grace to disgrace. One wonders whether there is anything left for her to celebrate on her birthday as Jones is experiencing the worst period of her life.

Whatever it is, one has to admire the decision of Jones’ to admit finally that she has taken performance enhancing drugs. At the same time, she has apologised to her fellow competitors and fans. “Father... forgive me... it’s a sin..., it’s a sin...” That perennial Pet Shop Boys hit would be Jones’s prayer at this hour.

The story of Marian Jones, her road to Olympic glory and that shattered dream which took her from hero to zero is an eye-opener for all.

Performance enhancing drugs have badly ruined the sports world, which once was clean and uncorrupt. Canadian athlete Ben Johnson and Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona are some of the elite sportsmen who have brought disgrace to international sports world. The latest addition to that blacklisted lot of sports stars is Jones, who has already accepted a two-year ban.

Sri Lanka too has experienced the bitterness of banned steroids with the first instance coming to limelight about a decade ago. Our star woman sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe was twice tested positive for a banned substance - Nandralone, but she was cleared subsequently on both occasions.

She was initially tested positive for the prohibited Anabolic steroid during the 1995 Asian Championship in Jakarta.

But she got away with it after Dr. A.R.L. Wijesekera proved that a drug taken by Jayasinghe to delay her periods has similar organic compounds found in Nandralone-19.

Ever since, the IOC and the IAAF have strengthened their anti doping regulations. With the establishment of the world anti doping body - WADA, the world sports officials have been keeping a vigilant eye on performance enhancing drugs.

Jayasinghe was once again tested positive for a similar steroid during an off-season dope test in 2001/02 season but was later exonerated by the IAAF.

It’s a pity that Jayasinghe had to undergo this bitter experience for no fault of hers.

Then there were two other drug cases in Lankan athletic history. Hurdler Ashok Jayasundara had to undergo a two-year suspension and the third case against sprinter Jani Chathurangani is now at arbitration stage. There have been instances where the authorities found empty syringes at the dressing rooms of competitors at a major sporting event here.

Whatever it is, the drug mafia is not only affecting the world sports circles but that of Sri Lanka too.

Hence, it is important that we create a greater awareness amongst all sportsmen and women. Not only the top level competitors but we must also conduct awareness programs for juniors. If we could caution our younger generation and advise those competitors at tender age, then it is not difficult to beat the drug mafia.

The world anti doping agency -WADA, would update the banned list of drugs. Hence, it is important that top level sportsmen and women here use drugs prescribed or ratified by the Sports Medicine experts.Apart from athletes’ personal desires for glory, some coaches too look for short cuts to produce champions and make names for themselves.

But innocent athletes should not be victims of the personal battles for glory amongst coaches. That is why we need a greater awareness program so that nobody could fool the competitors.

Unlike in the past, strict dope control procedures are followed at all international and regional competitions. Not only at international level but most of the domestic competitions would come under the watchful eyes of anti doping officials.

In order to track down those smart guys who technically manipulate and maintain different levels of performance enhancing drugs, the officials have increased the number of off season dope tests. Hence, it is not easy for drug cheats now.

As I have stated above, Marian Jones’ story is a good eye-opener for all. May be the millions of fans who are extraordinary loyal to Jones would not like to accept but the fact is the American is now a disgraced sprinter. Drugs not only ruined her life but the Olympics and the athletic world.