Dawn Harper is returning to the London Games to defend her gold medal (’08, Beijing) in the 100-meter hurdles. Harper is not receiving as much attention as some other USA Track and Field athletes, most notably fellow hurdler Lolo Jones. Jones, who is also headed to London, finished third in last month’s Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Harper finished first.
During an interview with KNBC-TV’s Michael Brownlee, Harper admitted the lack of media attention and press bothers her. Scores of media outlets have focused on Jones, who finished seventh in the 100-meter hurdles in Beijing after stumbling over the second-to-last hurdle. Jones has aslo made headlines for admitting in interviews she is a virgin.
“I would be a lie if I [said] it didn’t,” Harper said when asked about all of the attention given to Jones. “Since the Olympics, [Jones] hasn’t really beaten me outdoors at all.”
Harper said Jones was a “great competitor” but said she hopes fans will “respect” Harper’s contributions to track and field when she lines up to run in London.
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