Lolo Jones can't win. Probably until she wins.
The 21st-century version of Anna Kournikova is back on stage in Sochi, Russia as she begins preparations to compete in the two-woman bobsled competition in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The U.S. track and field star who was ostracized for her popularity when she claimed media attention despite not winning a medal in either 2008 or 2012 Summer Olympics in the 100-meter hurdles, now is trying to capture her first medal in the Winter Games.
But again amid controversy.
ESPNW reported that Jones was asked about the recent backlash during her selection as a push athlete/brakeman for the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team. Two push athletes also competing for a spot on the team, Katie Eberling and Emily Azevedo, sounded off about the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation selecting Jones ahead of them because of her fame.
"Wow, this is a sequel," Jones responded, then added, "I just wasn't prepared for it."
ESPNW went on to say that Jones should've been prepared: "Especially for those who have followed her closely, the Lolo-ness can wear thin: the quotes about herself in the third person; the wide-eyed wonder and innocence coupled with the video zipping -- and unzipping -- her uniform that she posted recently on Twitter; the marketing buzz surrounding her, which has always overshadowed her results."
In an interview with The Associated Press, Jones reportedly was on the verge of tears when describing her transition to bobsledding.
"From the first week, they accepted me, they embraced me, they lifted me up, and I think it was what I needed to not only be a bobsled athlete but return back to track with my head held high and proud of the things I have achieved in that sport," Jones said. "So I really am grateful for them. I'm almost about to cry because they really gave me a fresh start, for sure."
From that context, it's understandable how she could say she wasn't prepared because the bobsled team initially embraced her in a way her track and field teammates never did.
So while the media are guilty of perpetuating her popularity by continuing to write stories about her even when they question her motives, she may not be free of at least some of the criticism until she comes home a winner.
In competition, that is.
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