ATHLETE IN THE SPOTLIGHT LOLO JONES | HURDLES
Something Special, From Out of Nowhere
Lolo Jones' hard work has paid off and will participate in her first Olympics after failing to make the finals during her first Olympic trials in 2004. (REUTERS -- Jonas Ekstromer)
(Scanpix Sweden - Reuters)
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At least by the looks of things, Lolo Jones was the most excited human being on the planet on Sunday, July 6, at precisely 12 29/100 seconds past 8:30 p.m. That's when she completed her improbable climb to the U.S. Olympic team, winning the 100-meter hurdles. And it's also when she exploded with leaps, body wriggles, fist pumps, skips, tears, screams, laughter and gyrations. All of that at once, it seemed.
For the first time since she stepped on the track and ran the second-fastest time under any conditions in history (the 12.29 finish was wind-aided), sailing without a hitch over 10 hurdles and winning by a couple of strides, Jones lost control of her body.
It's not hard to understand why: She had no prior experience being an Olympian, little experience being a champion -- and plenty of experience being flat broke because of her lack of high-profile achievements. She finished fifth at the U.S. championships two years ago and third last year. As a junior and senior at LSU in 2003 and '04, she failed to even medal in the 100 hurdles at the NCAA outdoor championships.
And in her first Olympic trials four years ago, she was eliminated in the semifinal round.
"This just shows not to give up, because four years ago I didn't even make the final," Jones said. "Really, I never won anything growing up, and I finally had victory at just the right time."
An afterthought in the sport, Jones, 25, carved out some success on the European circuit even while struggling to pay her bills and continue her career. She worked as a cashier, a personal trainer and a restaurant hostess. She traveled on a scooter because she could not afford a car, and massages and chiropractic care -- common among elite track athletes -- were out of the question.
But since winning the world indoor championships this past February, life has taken a turn for the better. She has a contract with Asics. She can train full-time. And she is winning.
"It's amazing what a little more support for you can do," she said.
-- Amy Shipley
