State officials today honored an Iowa native who may compete in this summer’s Olympics in China. Lolo Jones graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High School in 2000. She is the reigning U.S. indoor track and field champion in the 60 meter hurdles and will compete soon for the chance to represent the U.S. in the Olympics. "It’s just great to be back home. It’s sad that I have to leave in a couple of days to go to Boston, but I will represent Iowa (and the) U.S. in the following days and the following weeks for the World Championships and hopefully, later on — you know, for the Olympics," Jones says.
Jones, who is 25 years old, was recognized today in the Iowa House of Representatives during a ceremony to mark Black History Month. Jones is of African American, Native American, French and Norwegian descent. She was named USA Track and Field’s "Athlete of the Week" on February 12th after placing second in the women’s 60 meter hurdles in a race in Germany. She recorded a personal best in the race – 7.7 seconds. That stands as the third-fastest time ever for an American.
"I’m just, like, really excited and just nervous for this whole year," Jones said during the statehouse ceremony. "I’ve always just been so thankful for the support that Iowa has given me…The upbringing and the roots I established here, they carry me every day even though, I mean, I don’t reside here in Iowa anymore. Eventually one day I will return. You know I have to train in the sun in Louisiana." Jones is a graduate of Louisiana State University.
Jones was among a handful of Iowans who received awards to commemorate Black History Month.