Marion Jones to return to action

Triple Olympic champion Marion Jones will compete in the 60 metres and long jump at the Birmingham Grand Prix in Britain on February 20.

Jones, who took last year off to have a baby, will make her return to competition at the Millrose Games in New York two weeks earlier.

"Marion Jones will run the 60 metres and long jump in Birmingham," her agent Charles Wells told Reuters by telephone from his office in Keller, Texas. Wells added he could not recall Jones ever jumping indoors before.

"After a year out of competition having a baby I feel it is important to get back on to the track at the earliest opportunity," Jones said. "I always enjoy competing in the United Kingdom"

A spokesman for the promoters confirmed Jones would be taking part and said negotiations were at an advanced stage with her partner Tim Montgomery, the world 100 metres record holder.

"We are delighted Marion

The announcement comes a day after organisers of New York's Millrose Games said Jones would race for the first time since 2002 when she competes over 60 metres at Madison Square Garden.

Jones's decision to jump indoors is a clear indication that she intends to include the event in her quest for multiple golds at the Athens Olympics in August.

The 28-year-old American won a record five athletics medals at the 2000 Sydney Games, claiming gold in the 100 and 200 metres and 4x400 metres relay. She won bronze in the long jump and 4x100 metres relay.

Jones is the only athlete, male or female, to attempt to win gold medals in the Olympic 100, 200, long jump as well as both relays.

In 1936 Jesse Owens won the 100, 200 and long jump at the Berlin Games and anchored the winning 4x100 U.S. team. His feat was emulated by Carl Lewis at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.