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Jones, Edwards in US squad for Athens

July 19, 2004 19:23 IST

Sprinters Marion Jones and Torri Edwards, involved in ongoing doping investigations, were included in the preliminary U.S. Olympic track and field team on Monday.

Edwards, who earned her spot in Athens by finishing second in the 100 metres at the U.S. trials 10 days ago, could have her Olympic dreams crushed later on Monday when she faces a hearing before the American Arbitration Association (AAA) to explain a positive test for a banned stimulant.

If the world 100 metres champion is disqualified from competing in the Greek capital it would also open up a spot on the 200 metres.

Jones, who remains under scrutiny by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) despite never failing a doping test, qualified in just one event -- the long jump -- after winning five medals in Sydney, including three gold.

The triple Olympic champion failed to make the team in the 100 metres after finishing fifth and pulled out of the 200 metres on Saturday citing fatigue.

Jones, however, could yet find herself in the starting blocks in Athens.

Any athlete qualifying for any individual event can have their named automatically entered in the relay pool.

Jones's partner, Tim Montgomery will not be joining her in Athens. The 100 metre world record holder, facing doping charges, finished a disappointing seventh at the trials behind Olympic champion Maurice Greene.

"We saw a lot of young men step up their performances at the Olympic Trials," said men's Olympic head coach George Williams. "I am confident we have the best team possible representing the United States at the Olympic Games."

The final roster will be announced August 9, just four days before the opening ceremonies in Athens. Athletes who have not met the Olympic A qualifying standard in their events will have until August 9 to achieve those standards.


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