Sprinter Marion Jones jailed for six months

New York:

The American Olympian, Marion Jones has been jailed for six months, for lying about steroid use and involvement in a drugs fraud case.

The former sprinter pleaded guilty last October and was sentenced on Friday.

Once arguably the most famous female athlete in the world, Jones won gold in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x400m relay as well as bronzes in the long jump and 4x100m relay, at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

But she suffered a spectacular fall from glory last October, admitting lying to a federal investigator in November 2003 when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Lawyers for the defence had requested US District Judge Kenneth Karas limit sentencing the former sprinter to probation or house arrest.

Having already apologised, retired and given up her five Olympic medals, Jones has been punished enough, they argued.