Ep 2. Marion Jones: Press Pause

In the second episode of the first season of "30 for 30: Personal Stories," viewers get an intimate look at the life and career of Olympic track and field athlete Marion Jones in an episode titled "Press Pause." The episode focuses on Jones' rise to fame as a world-class athlete, her unexpected fall from grace, and her eventual redemption.

The episode begins with a series of clips that showcase Jones' incredible athletic abilities. She was a standout athlete at the University of North Carolina before becoming a world champion and Olympic gold medalist in the late 1990s. But her world came crashing down in 2007 when she was stripped of her Olympic medals and sentenced to six months in prison for lying to federal investigators about her use of performance-enhancing drugs.

"Press Pause" takes viewers through Jones' life story, starting with her childhood in California and her early days as a runner. Despite facing poverty and trauma early on, Jones found solace and purpose in running. She quickly became one of the best young athletes in the country, earning a scholarship to UNC and setting her sights on Olympic gold.

The episode explores Jones' ascent to the top of the track and field world, showcasing her world-record-breaking performances and her rise to fame. Along the way, we hear from coaches, teammates, and family members who recount the incredible dedication and hard work that went into Jones' success.

But the episode is not just a celebration of Jones' successes; it also delves into the darker side of her story. The second half of the episode explores Jones' fall from grace, beginning with the BALCO scandal in 2003. Jones was one of several athletes caught up in the scandal, which involved a Bay Area laboratory that provided performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. Jones vehemently denied any wrongdoing, but the evidence against her was overwhelming, and her reputation suffered a severe blow.

The episode then takes us through the final years of Jones' career, which were marred by controversy and scandal. The highlight of this section is a candid interview with Jones herself, in which she opens up about the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned. She talks about the pressure of being a role model and the high expectations placed on athletes, especially female athletes of color. She also discusses the difficulty of admitting her mistakes and facing the consequences of her actions.

Overall, "Press Pause" is a powerful and moving episode that explores the highs and lows of Marion Jones' life and career. It is a testament to her incredible talent and determination, as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of cheating and denial. Whether you are a sports fan or not, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.