Marion Jones cleared of doping, 'B' sample negative

RALEIGH, North Carolina - Former triple Olympic champion Marion Jones was cleared of doping today after her 'B' sample tested negative for the banned blood-boosting drug EPO.

Jones' initial sample had tested positive for erythropoietin at the US championships in Indianapolis in June. Had the second sample tested positive, the 30-year-old would have faced a two-year ban from the sport.

"I am absolutely ecstatic," Jones said in a statement issued by her lawyer.

"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."

- REUTERS