Media criticism upsets Lolo Jones

**Reg** · 08-09-2012, 12:02 AM

ESPN.com news services

LONDON -- With her voice choking and eyes welling with tears, U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones took issue with what she called "heartbreaking" criticism a day after she barely missed winning an Olympic medal.

Jones appeared on NBC's "Today" on Wednesday and was asked about a recent story in The New York Times that said her stardom had more to do with marketing than her accomplishments on the track.

"I think it was crazy just because it was two days before I competed, and then the fact that it was from a U.S. media (outlet)," Jones said. "They should be supporting our U.S. Olympic athletes, and instead they just ripped me to shreds. I thought that was crazy because I work six days a week, every day, for four years for a 12-second race."

The Times article said Jones has "received far greater publicity than any other American track and field athlete competing in the London Games. This was based not on achievement but on her exotic beauty and on a sad and cynical marketing campaign."

Jones, who did not win a medal in Tuesday's 100-meter hurdles final, fought back tears as she addressed the critical article.

"The fact that they just tore me apart, it was heartbreaking," she said. "They didn't even do their research -- calling me the Anna Kournikova of track. I have the American record. I am the American-record holder indoors, I have two world indoor titles.

"Just because I don't boast about these things, I don't think I should be ripped apart by media. I laid it out there, I fought hard for my country. I think it's a shame that I have to deal with so much backlash when I'm already so brokenhearted as it is."

Jones finished fourth in the final, 0.10 seconds behind bronze medalist Kellie Wells. At Beijing four years ago, Jones was leading the final when she hit the ninth of 10 hurdles and wound up seventh.

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mrtxstar · 08-09-2012, 12:17 AM

She trained six days a week, every day, for four years for a 12-second race... and how many Olympic medals has she won?
I appluad the effort but I've won just as many Olympic medals and haven't done jack as far as training for it.

Granted, the American press should lay off until she's performed but... have at her now.

I'm sorry Lolo, go get laid and enjoy your life now.

08-09-2012, 12:02 AM	#1
Reg Ray's #2 Hero/Gramps HOF'er (retired jersey) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Pontiac,MI Posts: 39,316 Reputation: 1285 My Mood: : $303068	Media criticism upsets Lolo Jones ESPN.com news services LONDON -- With her voice choking and eyes welling with tears, U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones took issue with what she called "heartbreaking" criticism a day after she barely missed winning an Olympic medal. Jones appeared on NBC's "Today" on Wednesday and was asked about a recent story in The New York Times that said her stardom had more to do with marketing than her accomplishments on the track. "I think it was crazy just because it was two days before I competed, and then the fact that it was from a U.S. media (outlet)," Jones said. "They should be supporting our U.S. Olympic athletes, and instead they just ripped me to shreds. I thought that was crazy because I work six days a week, every day, for four years for a 12-second race." The Times article said Jones has "received far greater publicity than any other American track and field athlete competing in the London Games. This was based not on achievement but on her exotic beauty and on a sad and cynical marketing campaign." Jones, who did not win a medal in Tuesday's 100-meter hurdles final, fought back tears as she addressed the critical article. "The fact that they just tore me apart, it was heartbreaking," she said. "They didn't even do their research -- calling me the Anna Kournikova of track. I have the American record. I am the American-record holder indoors, I have two world indoor titles. "Just because I don't boast about these things, I don't think I should be ripped apart by media. I laid it out there, I fought hard for my country. I think it's a shame that I have to deal with so much backlash when I'm already so brokenhearted as it is." Jones finished fourth in the final, 0.10 seconds behind bronze medalist Kellie Wells. At Beijing four years ago, Jones was leading the final when she hit the ninth of 10 hurdles and wound up seventh. more... __________________

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08-09-2012, 12:17 AM	#2
mrtxstar On Vacation All Pro Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 8,657 Reputation: 943 My Mood: : $61878	She trained six days a week, every day, for four years for a 12-second race... and how many Olympic medals has she won? I appluad the effort but I've won just as many Olympic medals and haven't done jack as far as training for it. Granted, the American press should lay off until she's performed but... have at her now. I'm sorry Lolo, go get laid and enjoy your life now.

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