Jones Leaves Opportunity

Amid the ear-splitting sound of buzz saws, jackhammers and drills, Craig Masback peered from under his hard hat and assured the nation that women’s track will be fine without Marion Jones. At least for a little while.

Masback, chief executive of USA Track and Field, appeared Thursday at the still-under-construction Home Depot Center in Carson and discussed Jones’ withdrawal from competition this summer because she expects to give birth in late July.

“If she planned it, she couldn’t have planned it at a better time,” Masback said. “It’s not an Olympic year. She’s run many, many events at a high level and probably could use a break.... There’s plenty of time for her to come back.”

Jones, 27, won five gold medals at the Sydney Olympics and said she plans to resume training later this year in preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

In the meantime, who will fill the void left by Jones?

Zhanna Pintusevich-Block of Ukraine upset Jones to win the 100 meters at the 2001 World Championships in Edmonton. She finished second to Jones in last year’s world rankings.

Debbie Ferguson of the U.S. was ranked No. 2 in the world last year behind Jones in the 200.

“It’s wide open,” said Scott Davis, meet director for the Mt. San Antonio College Relays, scheduled for Thursday through April 19.

Masback said Chryste Gaines, Angela Williams, Torri Edwards and Kelli White were among those who could emerge during Jones’ absence.

Masback was in Carson to promote the first Home Depot Track and Field Invitational, set for June 1. The event will be the first held at the $150-million complex, which also includes facilities for soccer, tennis, cycling and beach volleyball.