Lolo Jones: Why Star Power Has Put Unnecessary Pressure on Track Sensation

In women's track and field, there are no names bigger than U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones.

With that, Jones is facing a lot of unnecessary pressure as she attempts to gain redemption after a disappointing 100-meter hurdle final in Beijing.

Going into the 2008 Olympics, Jones was the favorite to win gold, and there was nobody else even in the conversation.

And, through the first eight hurdles, it looked like that would hold true. That was until she hit the ninth hurdle and fell out of the medals.

In London, Jones isn't coming into the event as the best hurdler in the world. That distinction goes to Australia's Sally Pearson. She isn't even the best in the U.S., as she finished third at the Olympic Trials behind Kellie Wells and Dawn Harper.

Plus, her best time this year ranks ninth out of all U.S. runners. She just had a better Olympic trials than than six other runners, which helped her earn her spot.

So, being that she hasn't run the best time in the world, nor the U.S., why is there so much pressure on Jones to win gold in London?

Is it because it's supposed to be redemption from Beijing?

What about her HBO interview in which she said she was a virgin and would be saving herself for marriage? Is there any pressure from that?

Then, you have to think...does she put pressure on herself?

I think it's a combination of all three.

She was once the best in the world and didn't win her gold, so now that she's back in the Olympics, there is pressure to perform well.

I believe she also puts a lot of pressure on herself as well, because she knows she can do it. She was the best in the world once before, and she believes she can be the best in the world again.

As far as her personal life, I believe it's admirable that Jones stood up for what she did, and if people have a problem with it, that's too bad. She's allowed to make her own choices, and if that's the route she wants to go, I applaud her.

It shouldn't be something that puts additional pressure on her, even if media pundits and fans want it to.

In the same way that an athlete that has come out of the closest and admitted they are gay shouldn't be scrutinized in the media or by fans for their personal choice, Jones shouldn't be scrutinized for her personal choice to remain a virgin.

But, some people consider one fair game, while the other is off limits. Wouldn't it be nice for the same standard to be held with both?

In my opinion, the only undue pressure that Jones can control is the one she puts on herself. People are going to say and do what they want, and she can't control that.

However, if she just goes out there, runs her race and has fun doing it, I have no doubt she'll be on the medal stand on Aug. 7.