The world knows Marion Jones not only for her incredible
athleticism, but also for her confession to steroid use in 2007. Although
researching this major event in sports history has been interesting – and at
times addicting – the image repair tactics carried out by Jones’ PR team have
not been so apparent in social media.
My findings convey the main factor that saved Jones’ public
image was the fact the she confessed. Unlike most athletes, she brought herself
forward. Like therapists always say, the first step to recovery is admittance
to a threatening behavior. Jones admitted to steroid use and accepted her
downfall. Through self-motivation and moral conduct, she faced defeat and began
the road to recovery.
Jones also started a “think before you act” program,
encouraging adolescents to approach situations slowly and ultimately reach the
most beneficial solution. This program is promoted on her personal website, and
also continues to repair her image to this day.
