"A life not unblemished by controversy"

Marion Jones, the United States sprinter, has been cleared of potential doping charges for use of EPO after the 'B' sample analysis of her test was found to be negative, according to a statement issued by her attorney.

"I am absolutely ecstatic," Jones said after she had been informed of the negative backup sample analysis on Wednesday. "I have always maintained that I have never, ever taken performance enhancing drugs, and I am pleased that a scientific process has now demonstrated that fact. I am anxious to get back on the track."

Jones's 'A' urine sample from the US Track and Field Championships on June 23 in Indianapolis, where she won the 100m event, had been reported positive for the banned endurance-booster EPO. Jones said when she learned of that result in August that she was "shocked."

The US media first reported the apparent positive test, with several newspapers, including the Washington Post and New York Times, citing anonymous sources with knowledge of the result. USA Track and Field declined to comment at the time, and the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) did not confirm the reports in line with its policy of not commenting on cases in progress. USADA officials were not immediately available for comment.

"The scientific part of the testing protocols worked, but it is unfortunate that because of the leak of the 'A' sample results Marion was wrongfully accused of a doping violation, and her reputation was unfairly questioned," said Howard Jacobs, one of Jones's attorneys.

Jones, who has five world championships, dominated track and field in the late 1990s. At the Sydney Games, she became the first woman to win five Olympic medals — taking gold in the 100m, 200m, 100m relay and bronze in the long jump and 400m relay.

Since then, her reputation has suffered. She is one of several athletes who testified to the federal grand jury investigating Balco in 2003. Her ex-husband, C.J. Hunter, accused her of using banned substances, allegations she has denied. Her former coach, Trevor Graham, has been linked to several athletes in trouble for doping, including Justin Gatlin, who faces a possible eight-year ban.

Last December, sprinter Tim Montgomery, the father of Jones's son, retired after he was banned for two years for doping violations - the result of information gathered in the Balco probe.

Earlier this year, the International Olympic Committee said it would continue to investigate Jones's performance in Sydney to determine whether she was doping then, but questions have long been raised about the reliability of EPO testing, and Jones's negative 'B' test will spark further debate.

"I believe there are issues with that test," said Jacobs, who has defended several athletes on doping charges. "It's a difficult test. From what I saw on the 'A' sample, it was questionable as to whether it should've been called a positive. I can't say I was shocked that the 'B' came back negative based on what the 'A' looked like.

"This is perfect illustration of why this new trend of leaking A-positives is a horrible thing. This whole thing should have happened anonymously. Marion should've been able to keep competing and no one should have known about it."

Jacobs said the turnaround in Jones's case places a burden on sports federations and those who administer the tests to make sure they're doing a good job and following protocol on releasing results.

"They need to look at their procedures," Jacobs said. "Not USADA so much as the sports federations; who leak the positive tests. They always talk about holding athletes to the highest standards. They need to follow their own rules."

Jones mounted a comeback this season that she has said she hopes will see her contend at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. At the Golden League meeting in Paris on July 8, Jones broke the 11-second barrier for the first time since 2002 to win the women's 100m in 10.92sec.