Marian Jones of the United States was cleared Wednesday of doping allegations which had led the sprinter to withdraw from several recent track events. The five-time Olympic medalist's "A" urine sample tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) after the US Track and Field Championships in June, where Jones won the 100 meters. Wednesday; however, Jones' "B" sample was found by the US Anti-Doping Agency to be negative. The negative result means Jones faces no charges and is free to return to the track in international competition. Jones' coach had earlier stated it would not make sense for Jones to take the drug EPO which boosts endurance since she is a sprinter competing in very short races such as the 100 meters which is about 10 seconds in time for a champion such as Jones.

"I am absolutely ecstatic," Jones said in a release from her attorneys. "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." In 2000 at the Sydney Olympics, Jones won five medals; golds in the 100, 200 and 4x400 relay and bronzes in the 4x100 relay and long jump. In June 2003 Jones took a break from track to give birth to her son before returning to the winners' circle this year with the US Championships 100 meters win. In her career Marion Jones has never failed a drug test.