Jones will appear at six major meets in the U.S. during the outdoor season, including three of the Golden Spike Tour's four events.
In a recent USA Track and Field teleconference call, Jones said there are several reasons she has decided to compete more in the United States this season.
"This year is a bit different than in the past. I've had success at the Olympic level," she said. "I have a deep desire to get back into competition, but that desire doesn't dwindle into traveling so much. In terms of individual events, I haven't been all that pleased with some of my performances here in the U.S."
Jones said she hopes to change that and prove to herself that she can run fast, not only abroad but also at home. "That's important to me. I can compete in front of fans who perhaps haven't had a chance to see me in person, and compete in a couple of venues that are new to me," she said. "It'll be my first time in Princeton, and in Palo Alto. ... I'm excited that I don't have to hop on a plane for six, seven or 19 hours to go to a meet."
Jones will take the field in the first stop of the Outdoor Golden Spike Tour – the Princeton Invitational – where she will run the 100 meters. She will then compete at the U.S. Open in Palo Alto, Calif., on June 9, the third stop on the tour, and at the GMC Envoy USA Outdoor Championships on June 21-24 in Eugene, Ore.
Two IAAF Grand Prix meets – the Oregon Track Classic and the U.S. Open – highlight this year's Outdoor Golden Spike Tour, which culminates at USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Team USA’s roster for the 2001 World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Edmonton, Canada, will be selected at the USA meet.
Named 2000 Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press, Reuters, and ESPN, Jones is the first woman ever to win five medals in track and field at a single Olympics. In Sydney, Jones won gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4 by 400-meter relay. She also took bronze medals in the long jump and 4 by 100-meter relay.
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