At the start of the millennium, Marion Jones defined superhuman speed.
The USA track and field phenom dominated much in the way ShaCarri Richardson thrills audiences today.
ad; and brought in millions in endorsement deals from giant brands like Nike and Gatorade.
Hunter Abrams
She was also sentenced to six months in prison for perjury and began serving that sentence in March 2008.
The fallout was swiftJones couldnt outrun the doping scandal.
But Jones didnt give up on her sports career.
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
But now, Jones, 48, is ready to reintroduce herself.
She is also focused on her impact after her sports career.
Shes a personal trainer, and is currently partnering withDriven Inc., a coaching program for entrepreneurs.
Mike Powell
What was the moment when you knew you were truly ready to focus on your healing?
Was it even a moment, or a series of moments?
Marion Jones:It has been an evolving journey for me.
Hunter Abrams
I almost speak of my life in different seasons.
And then theres a season of poor choices and trauma that we all go through.
Now weve moved on to another part where Im tapping on the door of 50 years old.
Hunter Abrams
I deserved that time away.
If and when Im back on the scene, its because I feel like I have something to contribute.
I think naturally as you age, you realize that experience in life is significant.
Hunter Abrams
But now I can choose whats next.
Regardless of likes or followers or hearts.
And Im old-school, right?
If it was to all disappear, I would be fine.
You recently came out during Pride Month.
How do you personally identify?
I identify as a gay woman of color.
And you talk about coming out.
Its so interesting that people are kind of coining it like that.
Youve always been here.
And friends and family understood that for a long time.
I understand the significance of it and Im not gonna downplay that.
And I understand that life.
If sharing parts of my journey with the world helps somebody else, then its worth it.
And we go back to this idea of maturity and wisdom.
I hope to show folks that struggle with embracing it, that not everybody is gonna agree.
My advice would be: Just look in the mirror and share what you see.
How would you describe yourself?
Once you start to embrace that, youll be okay.
And I think part of it is that it does not always need to be on social media.
you might do it however you better do it in your space.
Its just been who I was, now for over a decade, but nobody saw me.
I can understand all of it and Im still navigating it and havent necessarily figured it all out yet.
I acknowledge that there are gonna be hiccups.
But I am who I am and I love it.
Your partner Adele is gorgeous.
What made you fall for her?
There are so many words that I could use to describe this woman.
And the word that I chose on thatbirthday post1,000% reflects who she is to me.
She is the light, shes the gem in my world.
She makes me smile.
She brings me a level of peace.
And you could just probably see in my face how much she means to me.
Its just been wonderful to have her in my life.
Switching gears, the 2024 Summer Olympics are almost here, and the lineups are stacked.
The track team is incredible.
Meanwhile, the WNBA is huge right now.
Who are you most excited to see in Paris during the games?
Im just generally excited to see the athletes.
Of course theres Simone Biles.
My daughter also did gymnastics, so well be watching it.
Im a fan of the Games.
It doesnt, like, rule my summer; Im not rushing home necessarily to turn it on.
But I have kids that are very much involved in sport and I love it.
I want the US team to do well and well be cheering them on.
What advice would you give them about navigating that intense spotlight?
And they become what I like to call yes peoplewho will say yes to them no matter what.
Even if its a poor choice, or its not the right company to align with.
Theyre like, Yes, thats great.
What does it look like after you cant score or run as fast?
What impact on the world will you have?
So what is your true message going to be?
How are you going to really impact the world?
And I think the sooner that they can realize that, the better off everybody would be.
I think that is a through line within any sort of career.
What does taking a break look like for you?
What makes you feel good?
Ive been able from a young age to turn to physical movement and fitness.
Im so fortunate that that has been my world.
I love to lift.
As Ive gotten older, I like to get in the kitchen.
I love to bake.
That is my go-to when Im just dealing with a lot.
Try what interests you.
I say, Try it all.
Some of them you will hate.
Some of them you might actually wind up loving.
Maybe hire a coach or join a program or a club.
And make it light.
You might become a little more competitive as the days and months go on.
As you make your return, what do you want people to know about Marion Jones?
I am such a believer that setbacks in life can be the steps to the biggest comeback as well.
Your failure is not forever.
But you dont have to stay there.
You dont have to stay stuck.
This conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Photography: Hunter Abrams.
Hair: Nai’vasha at The Wall Group.
Makeup: Camille Thompson at The Wall Group.
Creative direction: Amber Venerable.
Production: Melissa Kramer.
