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C.J Hunter: the brooding bodyguard to sprint star Jones
SYDNEY, Sept 25 (AFP) - World shot put champion C.J. Hunter has forged a reputation as a brooding protector and guardian of sprint star wife Marion Jones since the couple met four years ago. The burly American star, who tested positive for drugs at a competition in Norway last month, is renowned for frequently admonishing journalists and shuns the media glare surrounding his wife. When Jones was once asked why she wanted to get away from athletics for a break, Jones stepped in. "We don't want to get away from it...we want to get away from you," he said. On another occasion he reportedly confronted and swore at a journalist who asked about their wedding. He met Jones while coaching athletics at the University of North Carolina when she was a women's basketball star. In 1996 when Jones was recovering from a foot injury, the two struck up a relationship. Because of college rules forbidding relationships between students and coaches, Hunter resigned from his job. The couple married in 1997. The 31-year-old has always been stoutly defended by Jones, who describes him as a gentle giant. "People may not see it but he has a great sense of humour and makes a lot of people laugh, particularly me," she said. "He also makes me feel special .. well at least sometimes," said Jones, who regards Hunter as her number one fan. "I'm a little laid back but I have the luxury of having my husband with me. He's watching my back." Hunter won the World Championship shot put title with his last throw last year and had been one of the Olympic favourites until he withdrew citing a knee injury earlier this month.
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