Tim Montgomery

Tim Montgomery was a top American sprinter who won gold and silver medals, respectively, at the 2000 and 1996 Olympics in the 4x100 relay. He also won a gold at the 1999 World Championships in that event, after taking bronze in the 100 at the 1997 Worlds. In September 2002 Montgomery set a world record of 9.78 for 100 metres in Paris. Unfortunately, Montgomery is not well remembered for any of his track exploits.

That world record was voided in 2005 when Montgomery was implicated in the BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative) Scandal, and was found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs. Also implicated in BALCO was Montgomery’s partner at the time, former American sprint star Marion Jones.

In April 2006, Montgomery was indicted and arrested on fraud charges for his alleged involvement in check-fraud. Montgomery pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2007, and was sentenced to 46 months in prison in May 2008. Jones also served six months in prison for lying about her knowledge of the check-fraud scheme.

Before that was settled Montgomery was accused of dealing heroin in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. He denied the charges but in October 2008 was found guilty and eventually served a total prison term of 4½ years in a minimum-security prison in Alabama.

After his release from prison, Montgomery embraced Christianity, raised his daughter and helped train athletes in Gainesville, Florida.

Personal Best: 100 – 9.92 (1997); 9.78 voided (2002).