Long Jump Ends Jones’ Streak

Marion Jones’ streak of 37 consecutive final-round victories in the sprints, long jump and relays was broken Sunday in the World Cup track and field championships. Germany’s 34-year-old Heike Drechsler soared 23 feet 2 1/2 inches in the long jump to end Jones’ streak, set entirely in 1998.

After Jones won the 100 and 200 meters with meet-record performances, she finished second at 22-11 3/4 on the wet track--one foot short of her best this year. Drechsler, a two-time world champion, had two jumps of 23-2 1/2. As she rose from the sand the first time, she pumped her arms and cheered.

“It’s not easy to jump in these conditions,” Drechsler said of the on-and-off rain and temperatures of 45 degrees. “But it was motivation for me jumping against her.”

Jones, 22, refused to use the weather as an excuse. “It’s the same for all of us,” she said. “It’s not as if it got cold just for me.” She added later: “I’m ready to go home. My body’s due for some rest.”

With Jones’ help, the United States won the women’s title with 96 points.