Marion Ross was a hero to women athletes everywhere. Her resounding victories in Sydney were an inspiration to all. Then the BALCO steroid scandal broke, and her name came up. She spent years vehemently denying she had used steroids, even going so far as to threaten to sue. Sadly, when the federal government really put the heat on, she folded like a three-legged dog.

Tearful apologies notwithstanding, Marion is still claiming she didn't know she was taking a steroid known as "The Clear". She swears her coach told her it was flaxseed oil. Sure, because it's clear, right? Regardless of her bullnonny logic, last week she admitted to taking the illegal supplement before, during and after the Olympics, and pleaded guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice.

In a typical "I'm sorry, but only because I got caught" statement after her court appearance, Marion said, "I want you to know that I have been dishonest and you have the right to be angry with me. I have let (my family) down, I have let my country down and I have let myself down."

Gee, you think? How about all the kids who idolized you? How about all the money you've made from your Olympic fame? Perhaps she should give that back, too. After they let the local track team kick her in the knees a few times.