Marion Jones, former Olympian and world champion track and field athlete, is expected to make a special appearance at Auburn’s Fourth of July Festival.
Jones will sign autographs in the Overcomer Covenant Church’s booth at 11 a.m. to noon and 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Les Gove Park, 1005 12th St. SE.
The church is sponsoring the Freedom Stage that will present a lineup of live entertainment.
One of world’s the most celebrated athletes, Jones declined a spot on the U.S. Olympic Relay Team as a high school student, instead accepting a basketball scholarship and attending the University of North Carolina.
Jones led the Tar Heels to the 1994 NCAA title and graduated with a degree in broadcast-journalism.
She immediately returned to the track and, as a member of Team USA, won gold medals in the 1997 World Championships.
After defending her 100-meter title at the 1999 World Championships, Jones went on to win five medals, three gold and two bronze medals at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
In 2003, the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury drafted Jones in the third round.
For years after her triumphs in the 2000 Olympics, allegations that Jones used performance enhancing drugs persisted. Finally, in October 2007, Jones admitted that despite never testing positive, she had lied to federal investigators and, had in fact used performance enhancing drugs.
As a result of her confession, Jones was sentenced and served six months in federal prison for lying to federal investigators. Jones voluntarily returned her five Olympic medals and publicly apologized to her family, friends and fans.
Jones’ book, “On the Right Track” (Simon & Schuster), demonstrates how she has committed her life to inspiring others who face life-challenging situations. As a public speaker and author, Jones candidly, articulately and passionately shares her life story.
In March 2010, after being away from the game of basketball for 13 years, at the age of 34, Jones signed with the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock. After a successful rookie season, Jones returned to the Shock for the 2011 season, but was released in July 2011.
Jones and her husband, Obadele Thompson, live in Austin, Texas, with their three children.
About the festival
The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is an old-fashioned, hometown celebration featuring a kids’ bike parade, a variety of arts and craft vendors, food concessions and activities for all ages. Two live entertainment stages will feature a variety of top-level bands and cultural performers.
The free festival is presented by the City of Auburn and produced by the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department.
For information, visit www.auburnwa.gov or call 253-931-3043.
