Just another cheat in a long long line of sprinters to come out of the USA. Us track and field now has the credibility of the old East Germany

Buck, Somerset, UK

Just how many world champion athletes are cheats? The fact of the matter is every one who has been caught so far always denied they had taken any banned performance enhanced drugs until confronted with irrefutable evidence also some refuse to admit that they are guilty even when the test has proved conclusively that illegal substance has been found in their bodies. It is so sad that some sportsmen who win medals purely on their own merits always have a finger of doubt pointing at them.

Wing , Poole, UK

There has been lengthy suspicion on the validity of the athletics feats of Marion Jones. She was happy to portray herself as the clean living, all american girl, who got to the top by sheer hard work and talent.

As the facade has fallen, the real Marion Jones has finally stood up - or has she? The reality is that she is still not willing to admit that she 'knowingly' took these substances.

The pretend 'tears' and emotional press conference does nothing to cover up the systematic doping regime that she and her boyfriends, husband & training partners have been part of.

I remember listening to Steve Cram commentating a couple of years ago when the 'great' Marion Jones took part despite the allegations raging against her. He lost all credibility as a broadcaster when he blatantly ducked the issue of Jones suspect reputation. Athletics could die if the administrators, media and athletes do not stand up and fight this disease in a sport which can inspire people the world over.

Gordon, Brentwood, Brentwood

Hey people this is a view we all need to be very careful about how we critisize others what if we find that many others in the past who have been given medals or won in sports or other areas of recognition we lying and we praise and glorify them to this day it might be alittl hard on them all so please be very careful but remember we are all entitled to make mistakes just not entitled to walk away from them so she did the right thing and it hurts not only her but us but being honest and confronting the problem is how we help to change it and make it better and Ms jones career isn't gone she made it their on a lot of other reasons as well and one is courage it takes courage to make a wrong right especially when your the sacrifice and the shame is upon you the next battle in her live is how she will perservere and teach awareness and help with this wrong

Kimberly Kyles, New Haven, CT 06511, united states/conn

Watching athletics is one of my TV highlights of my summer. To do so without thinking the all the winners are on drugs would make it even better. However, I do think that the drug testing procedures need to be much more vigilant catching cheats more easily. How can Marion Jones cheat for 6 years without once being positive?

Des, Poole,

Will those who were in 4th places now receive bronze medals? If so, who are they?

Katherine, Edinburgh, UK

Who is not surprised? Who is not shocked? I am not. Everyone takes drugs in sports now. Especially the US team members who are probably stuffed with the latest yet undetectable performance enchancing drugs. Alas even late this athlete atleast admits it and regrets about it.

Andreas Andreou, Nottingham, UK

So she admits it only when she has no choice - and then asks forgiveness! She and all the other drug cheats are the reason I never watch athletics any more. The only way to clean the sport is to give life bans on the first offence.

Gwilym Ashworth, Pulborough, UK

For quite a while, I have not considered the chemical doping probes, but the Olympics themselves the real doping test. My rule is: whoever wins a Gold Medal has most likely used a forbidden substance. Well, Marion Jones has proved me right once again. Thanks, Marion!

Wolfgang, Boulder, CO, USA

I have every sympathy for her. What a wasted life. From her comments she sounds as if she realises it. I would certainly not throw the first stone. I hope (but i doubt) that she can forgive herself.

Larry, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire

What about the other competitors' medals in the 4 x 400 metres and the 4 x 100 metres?

Ross, London, UK

Isn't it ironic, an athlete who once was on top of her game, announces her stupidity when she retires? As a sport scientist, I think it is a disgrace to see people like Marion Jones (who should have been a positive role model to children) admits her ill-doing when she retires. Dopping is like a poison, and every sports person should stay clear from it!

S, London, UK

Thanou for champ anyone?????

No thankyou.

Simon Alexander, Hull,