For Lolo Jones, the 2012 Summer Olympics look to be the story of redemption. One of the stars of the United States Track and Field Team, Jones is headed to London hoping to make a comeback and erase a disappointing performance from the 2008 Games.
In Beijing, she was favored to win the 100m hurdles, but clipped the second-to-last hurdle, and ended up in seventh place. That finish has motivated her since.
Lolo Jones was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and for most of her life, was raised by her single mother, Lori, who often worked two jobs to provide. Jones' love of her sport was apparent from a young age -- she lived with several families growing up, just so she was close to a track, telling her mom, "I'm trying to pursue my dream."
That dream took her to LSU, where she picked-up 11 All-American honors and six SEC championships. After graduating, she became a professional track star and focused on the Olympics, and continued to do so even after she failed to qualify for the 2004 Summer Games.
Rebounding from her stumble in Beijing, Jones worked her way back to become the No. 1 100m hurdler in the United States in 2010, and No. 2 in the world. But her hard work isn't only done on the track.
Jones qualified for the 100m hurdles in London at the USA Track and FIeld Trials, joining a team with Dawn Harper (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Kellie Wells (Orlando, Fla.).
Lolo's shot at redemption begins August 6 in London, when the first round of the 100m hurdles is set to take place.
For more on Lolo Jones, including video of her telling her story, visit the official site of BP Team USA.
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