Goodwill Games

08/15/2001

Jones Ready for Goodwill Sprint Showdown

United States track superstar Marion Jones today spoke about her desire to end the sprint season on a high by winning the 100 metres at the 2001 Goodwill Games.

In an international media teleconference Jones said she was looking forward to racing against Ukrainian Zhanna Pintusevich-Block in the 100m on September 4 at Brisbane's ANZ Stadium.

In a surprise result, Pintusevich-Block defeated Jones in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in Canada last week.

Jones said the Goodwill Games rematch between her and Pintusevich-Block would be a "great race" and an opportunity for Jones to end the sprint season with a win.

"I'm incredibly excited to be travelling back to Australia," Jones said.

"It's my last competition of the season, so I'm motivated to go there and win well.

"I've always said that the last meet in the season is what people really remember you by and if I was to win at Goodwill, and that's what I'm hoping to do, that would go a long way for me in terms of preparation for the next season.

"Over the next few weeks I will put my race together so by the time I get to Brisbane, I'm ready to walk away with that first place victory."

Jones, a two-time Goodwill Games gold medallist, said she was excited about competing in the Games' finals-only format again.

"On a personal level I think that I run quite well knowing that I only have one (race) to get in and get out - run as fast as I can and not have to conserve energy for the next round," Jones said.

"I think that's why the Goodwill Games appeal to so many people and athletes. You have to lay it all on the line for however many seconds it's going to be and if you don't get it together it doesn't happen for you on that day, so I really appreciate the finals-only format.

"The finals only format in the Goodwill Games represents a lot of the European meets where there is a finals only format. If you look at them historically there have been such incredible performances in these Golden Leagues and European Meets and that's because there's only one race - in and out."

Jones also revealed she will report for TNT on September 5 during the Goodwill Games and would interview track legend Michael Johnson, who is running his last competitive race at the event.

Media information:
Lisa White, 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane
Ph: 07 3233 2084 (direct) / Mobile: 0404 842 370

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