Dara Torres Doping Like Marion Jones? Will Super Mom Take The Test? Is She The Real Deal?

At least that is what everyone is saying and why shouldn't we? I mean really, how many 41 year olds go out and set swimming records like Dara did in the 50 freestyle semi and then win the 100 freestyle at the US Olympic Trials? How many recent, over age 40 super athletes have been "the real deal"; doing incredible feats of sports strength unassisted by drugs? I only know of one athlete and that was...
George Foreman who regained the Heavy Weight Championship at age 45. Does that mean the Foreman Grille is the only 'real deal'.?
Because the rest of the "Geriatric Giants List", Roger Clemens and his 'cut-up' wife, Sammy Sousa, Barry Bonds, are all over age 40 and all guilty of steroids or growth hormones.

All of us have a knee jerk reaction in these post Balco times when we hear or see with our own eyes any athlete kicking butt, especially if they are past their prime or have had some sort of injury or illness.

This is yet another reason why Tiger Woods is truly "the real deal". Earlier this year he had just recovered from knee surgery. He then steps out to play his first tournament a lot sooner than we all really thought he should. He then has the nerve to choose as his 'coming out' performance, not a little tune-up PGA tournament, no, Tiger chooses golfs 2008 U.S. Open as the first test of his surgery.
After 5 days of intense knee pain, stiff competition and miraculous shots, Tiger rose victorious. In the postscript Tiger is headed to surgery and can't play golf for the rest of the year and for who knows how long. That is what we expect. That is 'the real deal.'

So excuse us Darra as we take a wait-and-see position. We do wish you good luck, because we want to believe and partially because you have one cute little baby.

MARION JONES GUILTY, IT'S OFFICIAL!

Because of this revelation, I really don't feel well today. I don't like myself and I'm not too happy about those around me. Perhaps I'm internalizing this too much. Maybe I'm too old to be believing in heroes. Perhaps no one is doing the "right thing" any of the time, anymore.

I ran track in high school and watched Marion in those Sydney Olympics. I even watch all the prelim races I could before she even got to the finals. It got to the point where she was so consistent with how she got ready to run that I would amaze my friend. When we sat together I could tell you everything she was going to do before she got into the sprinters blocks, when she was in the blocks and before the gun went off. I had her every movements and nuance down. And I realize this consistent routine brought calm and focus to her running efforts and I was mad that my own track coaches never hip me to something that was so basic.

America, I feel bad. You say you don't get me? Well, when I tell you the last time I felt this bad was when figure skater Debbie Thomas fell to the ice in the finals of those Winter Olympics ... I bet you know how I feel now. For those of you who want some of today's details, here they are below. And for those who are choked up like I am and don't care to read the gruesome details ... go to the next article.

JIM FITZGERALD of AP reports: For years, Marion Jones angrily denied using steroids. On Friday, she admitted it was all a lie. The three-time Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs, and announced her retirement after the hearing. Jones also pleaded guilty to a second count of lying to investigators about her association with a check-fraud scheme.

Outside the U.S. District Court, Jones broke down in tears as she apologized for her actions, saying she understands she has disappointed her friends, family and supporters. "I want you to know that I have been dishonest and you have the right to be angry with me," said, pausing frequently to regain her composure while her mother stood behind her, a supportive hand on Jones' shoulder. "I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down. I recognize that by saying I'm deeply sorry, it might not be enough and sufficient to address the pain and hurt that I've caused you. Therefore, I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

After her tearful statement, Jones, her mother and her attorney drove away in a black limousine. She did not take questions.

Friday marked a stunning fall from grace for Jones, once the most celebrated female athlete in the world. She captivated the country with the audacious goal of winning five gold medals at the Sydney Olympics. Though she fell short -- only three of her five medals were gold, the other two bronze -- her winsome smile and charming personality made her a star.

Seven years later, she is broke, her reputation is ruined and she is looking at prison time.

Want More? Go to: Got to Give The Medals Back.