Marion Jones admits to steroid use - report

Triple Olympic champion Marion Jones has admitted using steroids in preparation for the 2000 Sydney Games and plans to plead guilty to lying about her drug use, the Washington Post reported.

Jones, who will also plead guilty to an unrelated financial matter in a New York court, made the admission in a letter she sent to close family and friends.

According to the letter, Jones said she took the steroid known as "the clear" for two years beginning in 1999. She said in the letter that her former coach, Trevor Graham, gave her the substance, saying it was the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil.

The sport's US governing body said it was not aware of Jones's letter or any pending legal action.

"Anything that exposes the truth about drug use in sport is good for ensuring the integrity of sport," USA Track & Field chief executive Craig Masback said in a statement.

Jones, 31, had previously denied using drugs designed to enhance her performance.