Russians leave Jones empty-handed

Tatyana Lebedeva tonight won Olympic long jump gold with a leap of 7.07metres as Marion Jones failed to capture even a minor medal.

American Jones, bronze medallist in the long jump but a three-gold sprint hero four years ago in Sydney, failed to qualify for any other individual event this time and could not get near the leaders, finishing fifth with 6.85m.

The competition was won by Russian Lebedeva with her brilliant jump, who led her country to a clean sweep of the medals – an unprecedented feat for any nation in the event.

The world indoor champion had surprisingly finished only third in her speciality triple jump four days ago.

Irina Simagina took the silver medal with 7.05m, the same distance cleared by Tatyana Kotova who was pushed back to bronze on the countback rule.