Merlene Ottey – '99 News

Become member of the Merlene Ottey Fanclub - send an e-mail to:
otteyfanclub@hotmail.com

1 December 1999
Founding of the Merlene Ottey Internet Fanclub. Send an e-mail to: otteyfanclub@hotmail.com
See the fanclub members at: jmno-fanlist.htm

20 November 1999
New commercial link for the Merlene Ottey Tribute Page: http://www.go.to/ottey
The old link (jmnottey.htm) can still be used!
Find great running links at http://run-down.com. Remember to vote for the Merlene Ottey Tribute Web Page.

16 November 1999
Read an interview (in German) with Merlene Ottey after her acquittal at http://www.blick.ch

13 November 1999

A panel appointed by the Jamaican Amateur Athletics Federation (JAAA) finds Merlene Ottey not guilty of all allegations of having committed a doping offense at the Luzern meeting on 5 July 1999. Merlene Ottey states: “I am very relieved and happy about this ruling that confirms my innocence. It has been a difficult time for me and I am looking forward to competing again. I would like to thank my defence team and all the people around the world and here in Jamaica that have supported me during the last three months“. See the whole official press release from Merlene Ottey’s manager here.

Merlene Ottey in Luzern on 5 July 1999

15 September 1999
The B test also shows abnormal traces of nandrolone in the urine sample taken on Merlene Ottey 5 July in Luzern. Merlene Ottey is suspended and is thereafter entitled to a hearing by the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) – probably to be held in the end of November 1999. A panel would be appointed to hear the evidence and make a decision.
Read my personal experience of the drug case here (article by Jakob Munkhřj Nielsen).

18 August 1999
Merlene Ottey’s management company, FKG Communications AG, said today that Ottey had tested positive (in an A test) for the banned steroid nandrolone in Luzern on 5 July. Merlene Ottey chooses of her own will to withdraw from the upcoming World Championships to protect the sport and she further states: "I owe it to my family, my country, my beloved sport and all my fans around the world to prove that this is a terrible mistake and that I will do everything in my power to find the truth and prove my innocence".
During the World Championships it is revealed that due to the sport and the ongoing championships the IAAF and Merlene Ottey has agreed to delay the B test.
Read my personal experience of the drug case here (article by Jakob Munkhřj Nielsen).

7 August 1999
In Hechtel, Belgium Merlene Ottey wins two races: the 200 metres in 22.43 seconds (seasons best) and the 100 metres in 10.99 seconds (her 66th sub-11 race).

30 July 1999
Merlene Ottey ran the 200 metres against Marion Jones at DN Galan in Stockholm, Sweden. She finished second (22.46 sec.) behind Jones (22.07 sec.) but ahead of the second fastest female of the year Inger Miller (22.50 sec.). Merlene Ottey's time of 22.46 sec. was also a seasons best.

Merlene in Dortmund (Germany) earlier this season

23 July 1999
Running in Cuxhaven, Germany Merlene Ottey wins yet another 100 metre race in 11.01 seconds.

16 July 1999
My Merlene Ottey Tribute Page is awarded 9th place in the IAAF web page competition. See the 20 best competition pages here. I am still Klaus Munkhřj Nielsen and Rasmus Lynggaard thankful for their help in creating my page.

14 July 1999
Three days before the Nice Nikaia Grand Prix Merlene Ottey withdraws from the 200 metre race.

3 July 1999
Merlene Ottey finish 2nd (11.13 seconds) behind Ukranian Zhanna Pintusevich-Block (10.97 seconds) in the 100 metre race at the seasons biggest Grand Prix II Meeting, Gaz de France in Saint-Denis, France.

26 June 1999
Merlene Ottey wins the 100 metre race at the athletics meeting in Dortmund, Germany. Her winning time, 11.01 seconds, is an improvement of her seasons best race by 0.02 seconds. Also in the 200 metre race she sets a seasons best by winning in 22.49 seconds ahead of Nigeria's Mercy Nku.

23 June 1999
Running her first race since her qualification for the World Championships in Sevilla, Ottey runs in Kassel, Germany and wins the 100 metre race in 11.07 seconds.

18 June 1999
Merlene Ottey competes at the Jamaican Championships - the national trials before the World Championships in Sevilla, Spain. She qualifies herself for her 7th World Championship by finishing 3rd over 100 metres in 11.20 seconds behind Peta-Gaye Dowdie (11.14 sec.) and Beverly McDonald (11.15 sec.).

13 June 1999
For the second year in a row Merlene Ottey wins the 100 metre race at the athletics meeting in Nürnberg (Nuremberg), Germany. She runs 11.03 in the heat and 11.05 in the final – her first non-wind-aided 100 metre races of the season.

5 June 1999
In Stuttgart, Germany, Merlene Ottey runs 11.27 seconds in a 100 metre race and finish second behind the Nigerian Mercy Nku.

30 May 1999
Merlene Ottey is running for her Greek club participating in the European Clubs Championships in Athens, Greece and she wins the Division B 200 metre race in 22.72 seconds (giving her the 13th fastest time of the season per 3 June 1999).

29 May 1999
Merlene Ottey is running a wind-aided 11.04 second 100 metre race as her outdoor season debut. The race is taking place in Rethymno, Greece and Ottey finish 2nd to World Indoor Champion Ekaterini Thanou of Greece (10.77w seconds).

12 May 1999
Merlene Ottey’s agent Dan Zimmermann says in a radio interview that Merlene Ottey plans to compete at this years IAAF World Championships in Sevilla. Furthermore Dan Zimmermann says that she wants to make the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney her last international competition.

10 May 1999
Merlene Ottey celebrates her 39th birthday.

11 December 2000: Merlene answering questions
After her decision to continue competing in 2001, the Merlene Ottey Fan club had the chance to ask Merlene a few questions.

Fan club: What have you been doing since the Olympics?
Merlene: "I have spent the last two months doing a lot of thinking. I spent a few weeks with my sister and friends in Los Angeles and got some therapy on my hamstring that I injured in the Olympic 100 meter final. I then returned to Slovenia and started with serious training at the beginning of November. I have also started to get involved in a biomechanical science project with my coach and a team of biomechanics at the University of Ljubliana. This is a new challenge and I can apply some findings of it to my training. I also plan to get involved in the promotion of the project later on. I will now spend two weeks in a training camp in the Canary Islands and then go to Jamaica for Christmas".

Fan club: What are your plans for next year?
Merlene: "So far all I can say is that I am exited to run next year and am looking forward to the first indoor competitions".

Fan club: Because of the toughness of the sprints have you ever considered shifting to another discipline - for instance the 400 meters?
Merlene: "No, I love speed and as long as I stay healthy I know I can run with the best in the world. If I do not feel like I can improve on my times I will stop and find new challenges".

Fan club: Can you tell the fanclub members what it means for you to have a fanclub?
Merlene: "It is a great feeling that there are so many people from everywhere in the world that go out of their way to support me and cheer for me".

6 December 2000: Official press release: Merlene Ottey will compete in 2001
After two months of soul searching and reflection on her outstanding career, Merlene Ottey has decided to continue competing in the year 2001. At the Sydney Olympics, she won a record breaking 8th Olympic medal, the most ever by a female athlete in track and field.

Merlene Ottey: "After the stress and controversy at the Sydney Games, I needed some time to get away from athletics and reflect on my career. I am now certain that I still have the desire to compete at the highest level. Together with my coach and a team of biomechanics at the University of Ljubliana we are applying some new training techniques and I am very anxious to see the results during the indoor season. I want to show everybody that age is not a limiting factor and that I can still compete with the very best. I am exited to run next year and am looking forward to the first indoor competitions".

Merlene Ottey is preparing for the upcoming season at her base in Ljubliana, Slovenia and at camps in the Canary Islands and Florida. She plans to compete at several indoor meets in Europe during the months of February and March.

1 December 2000: Fan club birthday
It has now been a year since the founding of the Merlene Ottey Fan club. Since 1 December 1999 we have welcomed more than 300 members to the club and we want more! So make everyone you know aware of the fanclub and this website (http://www.go.to/ottey). For the occasion the fanclub has send out the 20th newsletter, which every member receives by e-mail. To join just e-mail us at otteyfanclub@hotmail.com. The fan club membership is totally free and the Fan club Members' List can be found here. 
        Scroll through this page to see what ups and downs we all have experienced together with Merlene during the last year. 

26 November 2000: Athletics Gala
The IAAF named Marion Jones female athlete of the year at the Athletics Gala in Monaco. Merlene Ottey was not among the 10 nominees for the award.

October 2000: New discussion forum for athletics fans
The IAAF has opened it's own discussion forum for athletics fans. You are able to make your voice heard in several different forums - so the Merlene Ottey Fanclub encourage you to go to the following address and contribute to our tribute to the greatest female athlete ever: 

http://www.iaaf.org/Community/index.html

20 October 2000: Official JAAA report
An interim report from the Sydney Olympic Management Team on the events that took place surrounding the selection for the women's 100 metres has been made available to the public. This preliminary and partial report is in response to two questions asked by the JAAA Executive:
1. How did the JAAA arrive at the decision to exclude Peta Gay Dowdie and include 
    Merlene Ottey in the 100 metres?
2. How was this decision communicated to the athletes?

Go to homeviewjamaica.com for the details.

13 October 2000: Merlene thanks her numerous fans for their greetings
Merlene has had the time to read most of the many encouraging and nice email greetings. She finds it great to know that there are so many fans from around the world appreciating her efforts and presence in track and field during the last 20 years.
        Merlene will spend the next three weeks in Italy, Monaco and Los Angeles where she will visit friends and relatives. She has no public appearances planned and has not yet made up her mind about running next season. 

9 October 2000: Merlene ranked 10th
After the Grand Prix Final in Doha (Qatar) on 5 October Merlene has moved down one place to number 10 on the IAAF world rankings (100 metres). In the women's overall standing Merlene is ranked 63rd - Marion Jones is ranked on top.

5 October 2000: Merlene enjoying Sydney
After a few days enjoying the city of Sydney, Merlene will go back to Slovenia. Here she will first of all try to recover from a long trip and then give herself some rest as the track and field season has come to an end. 

1 October 2000: Send greetings to Merlene
The Merlene Ottey Fanclub has established a special e-mail address for you to express support for Merlene and greet her on her last Olympic performance. Send your greetings to otteygreetings@hotmail.com. Please respect that this e-mail address is reserved only for greetings to Merlene. All other fan related mail (fanclub member sign-ups, questions and comments on the website etc.) is to be sent to otteyfanclub@hotmail.com.

30 September 2000: Silver medal for Merlene

No individual splits has been available yet.

Olympic debate on Caribbean athletes at the Caribbean Track & Field Forum.

29 September 2000: Begin of the relay races
The Jamaican 4 x 100 metre team with Tanya Lawrence, Veronica Campbell, Beverly McDonald and Merlene Frazer impressed in both their races on Friday. They won their preliminary heat in 42.46 sec. and amazed with a time of 42.15 sec. in the second semi-final (fastest time in the world this season). This was by far the fastest time of all finalists - with France and Bahamas having equal second-best times of 42.42 sec. A mediocre US-team without Marion Jones only ran 42.82 sec. to finish a joined second with Nigeria in the first semi-final.
        Merlene Frazer will be replaced by Merlene Ottey on the anchor leg in the final on Saturday - this promises an even stronger finish by the Jamaican girls. The national record of 41.94 sec. and most importantly the Olympic gold medal is within reach!

28 September 2000: Announcing the Fanclub Competition Winner
Fanclub member no. 19, Clyde from Jamaica, has won the Olympic Fanclub Competition. He rightly guessed that Merlene would finish 4th in the 100 metre final and on the tiebreaker question he was the one who came closest to Merlene best Sydney time (11.08 sec.) by guessing she would run 10.96 sec. Clyde will receive a signed pair of Merlene Ottey's running spikes.

26 September 2000: Dowdie withdraws from relay team
According to reports today at homeviewjamaica.com Peta-Gaye Dowdie withdrew from the sprint relay squad yesterday, citing the lack of psychological preparation and the fact that she would not want to risk success to the team. Those training in the sprint relay squad now are Merlene Ottey, Merlene Frazer, Astia Walker, Veronica Campbell, Beverly McDonald and Tayna Lawrence.

24 September 2000: Hopes for a relay medal for Jamaica - Merlene's last Olympic race
A sad but understandable decision by Merlene Ottey made public on Saturday "I will run the relay and that will be my last race". Merlene said she would have a couple days rest, "which I really, really need, and then I will try for a medal in the relay. Tayna will be starting. She has a rocket start, and I think we can pick up a medal there. On paper, Jamaica, the United States and the Bahamas are the best teams", she opined.
        Lawrence stated after her bronze medal at the individual 100 metres: "I think we have a good chance of getting the gold in the relay. We have a good team and all we have to do is put our heads together, communicate well and get the stick around".
        Lawrence will be starting the relay and Ottey anchoring it. The two other girls on the team will probably be Beverly McDonald and Veronica Campell. Astia Walker might run the heats instead of Merlene Ottey.

23 September 2000: Merlene finished 4th in the Olympic 100 metre final

Report from the final: 
Lawrence was the first to react to the starter's gun. She was eventually passed by Jones and Thanou, but held on to third place (11.18 sec.) 0.01 sec. ahead of Ottey. Marion Jones cruised to victory in an impressive 10.75 sec. ahead of Ekaterini Thanou of Greece (11.12 sec.). The first to congratulate Lawrence was Ottey. "She came over, shook my hands and said good job", said the beaming Lawrence.

Sources: IAAF Website, Homeviewjamaica & Jamaica Gleaner.

22 September 2000: Two victories for Merlene Ottey
Merlene had a great beginning to her 6th Olympic Games by winning her preliminary heat in 11.24 sec. Her start was somewhat mediocre, but the last 50 metres was impressive and midway through the race she had the time to look around to see that she was a sure winner.
        In the quarterfinal she was up against three other medal contenders: Ferguson, Arron & Edwards. Merlene showed them her speed and finished 1/10 sec. ahead of Ferguson - Nku and Arron finished 3rd and 4th. Torri Edwards disappointed with a 5th place and is out.

Average guess of Merlene's best 100 metre time = 10.916 sec.

Estimation of Merlene's Olympic chances: Click here!

21 September 2000: Interview with Merlene Ottey
The following is some quotes from Earl Bailey's interview with Merlene Ottey at Homeviewjamaica from Tuesday 19 September.

Merlene on her preparations despite the negatives that have surrounded her in the last days:
"I have been training well coming here, and I figure that if I can get this far it would take a truck or something to run over me to stop me now. God has helped me to get this far and I am just going out there to run. So far I have been able to stay focused, and when the race starts, I would just like to keep this mental energy high and keep the focus in the right place".

Merlene on what can be expected from her in Sydney:
"I have a lot of experience, but this is a challenge for me. For the first time I am going into a major championship with limited races, and I only had two months to prepare for such a big event. I started training at 100 percent after the national championships, so this will be a challenge also. I have no idea".

Merlene's message:
"I want to thank everybody that stood by me throughout the year and during the selection (process). I am going into these Olympics to do my utmost best. I hope it will be good enough so I will be able to get a medal somewhere along the line. I want to say a big thank you. But it is unfortunate that all these things have happened. With all the negatives, I hope that I can leave here with something positive for Jamaica to smile about once again".

20 September 2000: Peace restored in Jamaican camp
The Jamaica Gleaner reported today that all is calm in the Jamaican camp after the protest and disturbance surrounding the decision to name Merlene Ottey instead of Peta-Gaye Dowdie to represent Jamaica in the 100 metres. The protest led to a threat from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to throw Jamaica out of the Games if the athletes did not cease demonstrating and return immediately to their living quarters. Head of the delegation Don Anderson said the athletes who protested on Monday had given the undertaking they would perform "to the best of their abilities" when competition begins in track and field on Friday. 
        Merlene Ottey, who is living with the other athletes in the Olympic Village, said "I can handle this situation, the biggest fight is in the past - fighting the IAAF and its doping committee. That was fighting for my innocence and that was much harder. To be wrongfully accused, there is nothing on Earth that can compare. But, to come here and have all of this going on, I think is negative for Jamaica and its unfortunate that it happened". She added: "I am sure when the Games start we will forget about it and the athletes can focus on what they came here to do and that is to compete and to compete well for Jamaica".
        On the rules on how Merlene was selected for the 100 metres, Merlene stated: "The JAAA showed me a rule that you must come back in the shape that you ran in at the National Championships (then) you can go. So if Peta-Gaye Dowdie had run 11.2 definitely she would get on. They did apply this rule; nothing illegal was done. It (the new rule) was a bit of a surprise for me because usually you just have to come back (if you have qualified at nationals) and maintain fitness".

17 September 2000: Merlene named to run 100 metres
The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), through manager Winston Ulett, today named Merlene Ottey to represent Jamaica in the 100 metres at the Olympic Games. 40-year old Merlene Ottey will be accompanied in the event by Beverly McDonald and Tayna Lawrence who finished second and third at the national championhips in July. Merlene Ottey will replace national champion Peta-Gay Dowdie, who has not retained the form that she showed in July, according to the JAAA. The announcement was made in a meeting of the entire management and athletes on Sunday morning (Sydney time), but the decision was taken at a management meeting involving 13 members on Saturday night.
        Sources in the Jamaican camp have said that many athletes were very upset with the announcement - though not blaming Merlene Ottey personally. Threats have been given not to run for Jamaica in the relays. More on this issue at Homeviewjamaica.
        Merlene has gotten a lot of unnecessary attention and stress on this issue, but she is well prepared to compete at the highest level when the 100 metres starts on Friday. "I am very happy to represent Jamaica in the 100 meters and the 4x100 relay and I am looking forward for some exciting competitions", Merlene said.
        In an interview for the IAAF Website Merlene was asked if Marion Jones isn't a sure thing for the Olympic 100 metres and said: "She's a very ambitious person, and she has dominated the sprints for several years. But she has to do four races like everybody else. I know she'll be tough to beat. But this is the Olympics, and you always have surprises. You never know".

10 September 2000: Merlene runs away at Runaway Bay
In a meeting 90 kilometres south of Brisbane, one breezy day before Olympic athletics entries close, Merlene Ottey showed the JAAA that she is more than ready to participate for Jamaica individually over 100 metres (she is already selected for the 4x100 metre team).
        Merlene Ottey speeded away to a wind-aided (+2.4 m/s) 10.91 sec. win more than three metres ahead of American Olympian Nanceen Perry's 11.24 sec. Earlier Ottey won an eased-up 100 metre heat in 11.16 sec three meters ahead of Australia's no.1 Lauren Hewitt. The temperatures were very similar to what can be expected in Sydney with a cool 17 degrees Celsius. 
        After the race Merlene said "now I just have to wait to see if Jamaica will let me run" and she added "I've represented Jamaica for 20 years and never before finished out of the top three in qualifying. In the past they have made room for others to prove their fitness and I was just hoping for the same treatment".
(Sources: Manager Daniel Zimmermann, IAAF Website and Homeview Jamaica)

Check the Caribbean T&F Forum for debate on Caribbean athletes and the Olympic Games.

6 September 2000: Merlene arrives in Australia
Merlene arrived in Brisbane on 6 September and is training together with her coach and a group of Slovenian athletes at Sunshine Coast University north of Brisbane. Merlene's coach Srdjan Djordjevic said that Merlene has good memories of Brisbane as it was here at the 1982 Commonwealth Games she won her first gold medal (200 metres). "She came back to Queensland to prepare for the Olympics because the climate is better than in Sydney and there is much less pressure here".
(Source: http://www.homeviewjamaica.com) 

4 September 2000: Launch of a new Fan club Competition
For the Olympic Games we launch another fan club competition - hoping that someone would get it right this time.

MAIN QUESTION:
How will Merlene do at the Olympic Games over 100 metres?
Will she reach the final (state her place no. 1-8), the semifinal, the quarterfinal or the preliminary heat?

TIEBREAKER QUESTION:
What will be Merlene's best 100 metre time during the Olympic Games?
(This question will only be used to decide a winner if more people answer the main question correct).

Send your competition entry to otteyfanclub@hotmail.com 
Entries no later than 21 September as the 100 metres are scheduled to begin the day after.
All entries to the competition will be posted here.

2 September 2000: Merlene is the fastest Jamaican
Merlene has stated that she "will be the fastest Jamaican around by the time the Olympics arrive" and that she therefore should be selected for the Jamaican 100 metre squad. With the 10.99 sec. race on Wednesday 30 August she is the fastest Jamaican this season. The only other Jamaican that have really showed good form recently is Tanya Lawrence as she ran a season and personal best (11.07 sec.) in Berlin. It seems that McDonald should concentrate on the 200 metres as her 100 metre races since the trials have been less impressive and Jamaican champion Dowdie has not shown anything at all!

1 September 2000: No winner of the Summer Competition
No one guessed exactly the right time to the question: "What will be Merlene Ottey's best 100 metres time prior to the Olympic Games?". The correct answer was 10.99 seconds, which Merlene ran just prior to her departure for Australia in Thessaloniki (Greece) on 30 August.

30 August 2000: Merlene ran in 10.99 sec. in Thessaloniki
At an IAAF Permit Meeting in Thessaloniki (Greece) Merlene won the 100 metre race and set a new season best with a time of 10.99 sec. Merlene took two great scalps in winning ahead of Sevatheda Fynes (11.03 sec. SB) and Chryste Gaines (11.21 sec.).  

29 August 2000: Merlene ranked 14th
On today's brand new IAAF world ranking (women's 100 metres) Merlene moves up an amazing 7 places to number 14.

25 August 2000: Meeting Merlene in Brussels
I (Jakob Nielsen, Fanclub Administrator) travelled to Brussels to see Merlene Ottey in action and meet her after her 100 metre race. I will write an article on the subject that can be read here on the Merlene Ottey website shortly. 
        Before I found Merlene Ottey an outstanding athlete; now I can truly say that she is also an extraordinary and warm person.

25 August 2000: Merlene 6th in Brussels
Merlene Ottey finished 6th (11.18 sec.) at the Memorial van Damme Meeting in Brussels - part 6 of the IAAF Golden League Series. Merlene was very disappointed after the race and knew that she could have done much better, but the gun went off very fast and only the winner Marion Jones seemed really prepared for that - winning in 10.83 sec. more than two metres ahead of Sevatheda Fynes (11.08 sec.).

News and results at: http://www.memorialvandamme.be.

23 August 2000: Confirmation of Thessaloniki race
Through Daniel Zimmermann it has today been confirmed that Merlene Ottey will run the 100 metres at a meet in Thessaloniki, Greece on Wednesday 30 August.

17 August 2000: Confirmation of Brussels race
Speaking with manager Daniel Zimmermann, he confirmed that Merlene will be running at the Golden League Meeting in Brussels next Friday, 25 August. Ottey continues to train in Ljubliana and will possibly run in one or two more international competitions later this month.

14 August 2000: Merlene runs 100 metres in 11.00 seconds
Merlene Ottey continues to improve on her times in preparation for the Olympic Games. As part of a regular training session she ran 11.00 seconds (wind +1.3) at a small meeting in Ljubliana, Slovenia. In a heat she ran 11.25 seconds.
        In an official press release from her manager Daniel Zimmermann after the meeting, Merlene Ottey stated: "After my good race in Zurich last Friday, I wanted to test my form and fitness at this small meeting here at my training base in Ljubliana. I am happy with my progress and I am looking forward to faster times against world class competition later this month and in Sydney." More on the race at Edo's Newsservice on Merlene Ottey.
      In the fan club competition four members have guessed a time of 11.00 sec. as Merlene's best prior to the Olympics. 

14 August 2000: The debate on Merlene's Olympic participation

Ottey's bid to run the 100 metres at the Sydney Olympics will fail without problems befalling a qualified athlete and she will receive no special consideration from the JAAA. Adrian Wallace, president of the JAAA, said today that the former Jamaican sprint queen will not achieve her dream of running in Sydney unless a qualified athlete withdraws, is injured or does not maintain competitive shape. 
        The JAAA has an out with a judgement call rule about maintaining form, as outlined in a letter given to every Jamaican Olympic athletics qualifier. "The reason for this is that in previous years, athletes have come on run at national championship and have done reasonably well, but by time they reach a designated games or championship, indications show that their standards have fallen off significantly," Wallace said. "But we have pretty much have a month to wait on see what happens, if anything." 

After finishing fourth in the 100 meter B-final in Zürich on August 11 Jamaican 200 meter champion Beverly McDonald stated: "I wish I could have run faster but it was only my second race since the Jamaican trials so it is o.k. I want to make it clear I never said I will give my place for Sydney over 100 meters to Merlene Ottey. It is my final decision that I want to run also the 100 meters at the Olympic Games."
        Entries for this years Olympics close 11 September but the final confirmation of 100 meters competitors will not come until 20 September.

The article has been written using various sources on the internet (IAAF, Sportserver, Weltklasse). Follow the debate at the Caribbean Track & Field Forum.

12 August 2000: Ottey slams inconsistency of IAAF
Article from http://www.sportserver.com: 
Jamaican sprinting legend Merlene Ottey slammed world athletics' governing body on Friday, saying it didn't even know its own rules. The 40-year-old, the most decorated athlete of her era, was upset that she had to suffer the indignity of having to go all the way to the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) arbitration commission after testing positive for nandrolone last year.
        Ottey, whose glittering career amazingly stretches back to the 1980 Moscow Olympics, was angered that while she was cleared by that body on the basis of there not being enough proof, high jump world record holder Javier Sotomayor saw his ban reduced from two years to one for taking cocaine. She hit out at the inconsistency which saw IAAF president Lamine Diack criticize her reprieve but then colluding with his fellow directors on the IAAF Council in pardoning Sotomayor.
        "I am very disappointed by the IAAF as they don't seem to know their own rules," she fumed. "They don't even seem to know them themselves and are constantly changing them and then apparently don't realize they have." "In any case their rules are very inconsistent and confusing and have really hurt me and me alone."
        Ottey, who finished a highly creditable third here behind Marion Jones and Inger Miller in the 100 metres at Zürich, said that because of the IAAF she would go into the Olympics having had barely any race practice and had only been training at around 60 percent. "I wasn't able to get many invites to meetings because, of course, by the time I was cleared they had already booked their athletes," she said. 

11 August 2000: Weltklasse Golden League Meeting

In the fan club competition five people have guessed that Merlene Ottey would produce a time of 11.06 seconds prior to the Olympics. 

More news and results at the Weltklasse Web Site, the IAAF Web Site or sportserver.com

Report from CBS Sportsline:
Marion Jones, who is aiming for a record five gold medals at Sydney, eked out two victories. She edged Inger Miller in the women's 100 by 0.01 seconds, then beat a strong field in the long jump by only half an inch. Jones, who posted the fastest time of the season with 10.78 at London last weekend, was timed at 10.95 to Miller's 10.96. Merlene Ottey, competing in her first major international meet since being cleared of drug charges last month, showed the hiatus had not overly affected her form, finishing third at 11.06.
        Jones had looked unbeatable until now. Miller's close second changed that. "I was lucky to win", said Jones, who also won here last year. "It was a little harder after the false start, but I put it back together. Neither part was the best". Jones and Zhanna Pintusevich of Ukraine are tied with two Golden League wins each this season.
        Ottey, who has a record seven Olympic medals, was satisfied by her third-place finish. "I put a lot of pressure on myself", said Ottey, who tested positive for nandrolone last year and subsequently pulled out of the World Championships. "I knew I had to run well". Ottey, 40, made her first return to the track two weeks ago, winning the 100 in a modest 11.42 at a low-key meet in Nuoro, Sardinia.
(AP NEWS: The Associated Press News Service)

6 August 2000: Merlene to compete in Zürich on Friday 11 August
Today it has been confirmed by manager Daniel Zimmermann that Merlene Ottey in preparation for her sixth Olympic Games in Sydney will compete in the 100 meters at the Weltklasse meet in Zurich (Switzerland) on Friday 11 August.
        Merlene said: "I am very happy to return to the most prestigious meet on the Grand Prix circuit and test my fitness after an intense three week training period.  I am looking forward to run against the best in the world at the Letzigrund stadium and would like to thank Res Bruegger and his crew for welcoming me there.  It will be a great thrill to say goodbye to all my Swiss fans that have supported me during the last two decades".

27 July 2000: Merlene training in Slovenia
Merlene has returned from Jamaica and is now training in Slovenia until she will start competing in August's Grand Prix meetings.

25 July 2000: Merlene going to Sydney
On today's official list of Jamaican athletes going to Sydney you could also find Merlene Ottey - though it is still uncertain if she is going to compete in the 100 metres, but she is part of the Jamaican 4 x 100 metre team.

24 July 2000: Result at other national Olympic Trials - 100 metres

31 July 2001: World Ranking update
Going into the week of the 8th World Championships in athletics Merlene Ottey is ranked 8th (down 1 place) on the 100 metre list and 75th (down 3 places) overall on the IAAF World Rankings. On the outdoor performance list of 2001 Merlene is the 44th fastest woman of the year over 100 metre with 11.31 sec. 

24 July 2001: New page on Merlene's Jamaican Honours
The Merlene Ottey Website now features a page dedicated to the honours Merlene have been given by Jamaica and by people in the country. This new page also brings you photos of Merlene Ottey from the 2000 Jamaican Trials in Kingston. You can find it here. 

10 July 2001: Release of Fan club Newsletter 27
The release of newsletter 27 brought the sad news that Merlene Ottey will not run at the Golden League Meeting in Oslo on Friday 13 July. Recovering from injury she does not yet feel fully prepared to run fast at competitions and will therefore wait until August before racing at the Grand Prix circuit.

25 June 2001: Merlene Ottey will open season in July
Today it was announced by Merlene's manager Daniel Zimmermann that Merlene Ottey will not be running in Luzern on Wednesday or at the Golden League Meeting in Paris at 6 July. At the earliest Merlene will kick off her 20th season on the European Grand Prix circuit on 13 July at the Golden League Meeting in Oslo (Norway). Merlene Ottey has overcome her problems with the heel injury but she wants to be fully prepared before she starts her season.

11 June 2001: New location for the Merlene Ottey Tribute website
From today the Merlene Ottey Tribute will be moving location to this new web address:

http://www.merlene.subnet.dk

As website and fan club administrator I excuse for the problems that you have experienced with the website in the last four months. 

Jakob Nielsen

8 June 2001: Merlene postpones season opening
Due to some minor injury problems Merlene Ottey has decided to postpone her season debut on the European circuit. Therefore she will not run at the small meet in Poznan (Poland) on 8 June or at the Grand Prix in Helsinki (Finland) on 14 June as published earlier on this web site.

22 May 2001: Release of Fan club Newsletter 26
The newsletter features the latest updates on Merlene Ottey as well as news on her newly established firm.

10 May 2001: Happy birthday to Merlene
Today Merlene can celebrate her 41st birthday, which she will do with some of her close friends in Ljubliana. The last year has been one of stress, relief and great experiences. In a month's time she will start her 22nd season on the European Grand Prix circuit. That is truly unique!

A big cheer for the greatest female athlete of all time and 
best wishes for the 2001 season from the Merlene Ottey Fanclub

5 May 2001: Merlene to open outdoor season in Poland
It has been confirmed by Merlene's manager Daniel Zimmermann that Merlene will open her 2001 outdoor season at a small athletics meeting in the Polish town of Poznan on 8 June. A little less than a week after that she will go to Helsinki to run in the Grand Prix Meeting on 14 June. At the moment Merlene is training at her base in Ljubliana, Slovenia.

April 2001: Training in Spain and Slovenia
During this month Merlene has spend her time training - first a couple of weeks in Spain but she has now returned to her base in Ljubliana in Slovenia. She has fully recovered from the injury that she got back in March.

30 March 2001: Merlene withdraws from South African meeting
After the problems she experienced at the Engen Grand Prix II Meeting in Pretoria a week ago Merlene Ottey decided to withdraw from the athletics meeting in Stellenbosch, South Africa. 

23 March 2001: Merlene finished second in Pretoria
At the Engen Grand Prix II Meeting in Pretoria Merlene Ottey was surprisely beaten by Russia's Marina Kislova. After the race Ottey went to the see a doctor. "It appears I have not fully recovered from the hamstring injury I suffered in Madrid two weeks ago. At 60 metres I felt a twinge in my hamstring. I decided not to abandon the race but solider on to the finish. I am glad I have not pulled a muscle. Lets see how I feel in a day or two before I decide whether I will compete next Friday", said Ottey.
100 metre result (wind: 0.0):
1. Marina Kislova (RUS) 11.29 sec.
2. Merlene Ottey (JAM) 11.31 sec.
3. Dikeledi Moropane (RSA) 11.43 sec. 

22 March 2001: Newsletter 24 - declaration of the fan club competition winner
The 24th newsletter in fanclub history is sent out to the 338 fanclub members. In the fan club competition that has been running throughout the 2001 indoor season and where the fan club members were supposed to guess Merlene’s best 60 metres time, the right guess was the 7.12 sec. that Merlene ran in Madrid on 14th March. Only member no. 28 guessed right and will receive a signed pair of Merlene’s running spikes.

19 March 2001: End of the indoor season
The 2001 indoor season has ended and Merlene finished top of the indoor 100 metre list (11.21 sec.) and 9th on the 60 metres list (7.12 sec.), which is topped by Natalia Safronnikova (BLR) and Petya Pendareva (BUL) – both ran 7.04 sec. Sadly Merlene suffered a slight injury at the end of February and was therefore not able to participate and improve herself at the World Indoor Championships in Lisbon from 9th to 11th March.

14 March 2001: Merlene runs seasons best in Madrid
Merlene proved that her injury was no serious problem as she won the 60 metre race at the IAAF Permit Meeting in Madrid (Memorial José Ma Cagigal) ahead of Olympic relay champion Sevatheda Fynes (BAH). This means that Merlene during the 2001 indoor season has beaten some of the best competing sprinters (Fynes, Gaines, Safronnikova and World Champion Sturrup). Merlene's winning time makes her the 9th fastest female sprinter this season.
Race result:
1. Merlene Ottey 7.12 sec. (7.22 sec. in heat)
2. Sevatheda Fynes 7.15 sec.
3. Muriel Hurtis 7.32 sec.

9-11 March 2001: World Indoor Championships
Start of the World Indoor Championships without an injured Merlene Ottey. 
Result of the women's 60 metre final:
1. Chandra Sturrup (BAH) 7.05 sec.
2. Angela Williams (USA) 7.09 sec.
3. Chryste Gaines (USA) 7.12 sec.
4. Sevatheda Fynes (BAH) 7.15 sec.
5. Mercy Nku (NIG) 7.15 sec.
6. Petya Pendareva (BUL) 7.16 sec.
7. Li Xuemei (CHN) 7.20 sec.
8. Endurance Ojokolo (NIG) 7.23 sec.

23 February 2001: Merlene injured
Merlene Ottey was not able to compete at the Flanders Indoor meet in Ghent (Belgium) as she suffered a heel injury during her warm-up. The injury is not serious and she may still be able to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Lisbon (Portugal) from 9-11 March. In Merlene's absence the 60 metre race was won by Petya Pendareva in 7.12 sec. More on the Energizer Euroseries.

12 February 2001: Two wins for Merlene in Tampere

Here are some statements made by Merlene after the race:
"I have not raced in New York in ages, so I had to win." 
"My start and acceleration were not good - I need to work on it."
"I got off to a bad start, then I broke loose." 

Second-finisher Chryste Gaines was impressed by the Jamaican veteran and said: "After last year, what reason does she have to retire?" "As you can see, age is not a factor."
Merlene Ottey agreed: "It's never too late," she said, referring to her age. "I love what I'm doing". "How do I feel about beating youngsters?" "It makes me feel good, actually." 

More news on the Millrose Games at http://www.millrosegames.com. Also see IAAF News.

31 January 2001: Confirmation of race in Gent
Merlene Ottey has confirmed that she will run at the indoor meet in Gent (Belgium) on 23 February. It is still an open question if she will compete at the World Indoor Championships in Lisbon in March.

24 January 2001: Fan club Competition
For the upcoming indoor athletics season the Merlene Ottey Fanclub launch a competition with the following question: 

What will be Merlene's best 60 metre time during the 2001 indoor season?

Your guess has to be e-mailed to the fan club (otteyfanclub@hotmail.com) before 2 February 2001 when Merlene kicks off her season. All competition entries can later be found here. The winner will receive a signed pair of Merlene's running spikes.
        The announcement of the fan club competition was made in the 22nd fan club newsletter, which was send out today.

15 January 2001: Merlene to run in New York
It has been confirmed by Merlene's manager that she will open her indoor season at the Millrose Games in New York on February 2nd. Participation in other meetings are being arranged at the moment.

5 January 2001: Merlene begins training for the indoor season
After celebrating the coming of yet another year where she will run the sprint, Merlene today starts training again for the upcoming indoor season. The training will take place in Florida. There are no news yet on where Merlene will make her indoor season debut.
        Today the 21st newsletter from the Merlene Ottey Fan club was send out to our 311 fan club members.

1 January 2001: New location for the Merlene Ottey Tribute website
From today the Merlene Ottey will be moving location to this new web address: http://www.ottey.snoop.dk. We excuse if all the pages on the website are not fully operative and updated. We can assure you though that you will always be updated with the latest news by e-mail if you are a fan club member. Join the fan club by sending an e-mail to otteyfanclub@hotmail.com. 
The old links will be functioning until 1 February 2001.
The redirect link http://www.go.to/ottey still works.