The blowback began anew when Jones, one of the most recognized athletes of the recent summer Olympics, was chosen for the USA bobsled team for Sochi Winter Olympics over what many considered were more qualified, if not more battle-tested, colleagues. And the shots were fired from within her sport:
“I get that people want to latch on to a media sensation and run wild,” Former Olympic bobsled member Chuck Berkeley told The Associated Press, referring to Jones. “But it comes down to this: There are athletes who deserve to be there who are not there, on the women’s and the men’s sides. You have to ask yourself why is that the case. What is wrong with the selection process? Why is it flawed? Why is it corrupt?”
When the bobsled team including Jones failed in their efforts to stand on the podium, the cacophony of criticism was ear-busted on social media. Take a look at what some of her most vocal critics had to say:
<
Think we need to start calling #lolojones , Nono Jones..? As in Nono medals for you.. Nice effort though.
— Rodney A.K.A Mok (@RLpontificates) February 20, 2014
#lolojones goes to the #Olympics with no experience or understanding of what she is doing…she is the #obama of bobsled. @blackrepublican
— Nikkia Giovann Ganey (@KIAGANEY) February 20, 2014
What is up with all these track sprinters trying to push a bobsled like a real life #CoolRunnings movie? #bobsled #Olympics2014 #lolojones
— Coach Weinke (@Coach_Winks) February 20, 2014
What does it say about Bobsledding that #lolojones can take up the sport so late and become an Olympian? Even if she doesn’t deserve a spot.
— Jonathan Newman (@sportscribeblog) February 20, 2014
Lolo’s attitude is incredible. True athlete inspiration. #lolojones #Sochi2014 #bobsled
— Laura Anderson (@losingrace) February 20, 2014
Credit to #LoloJones for introducing Williams to the sport. Unfortunately for Jones, her 3rd Olympic appearance ended without a medal.
— Wandoo Makurdi (@WandooMakurdi) February 19, 2014
@XkybugX It seems she can’t buy a medal. I think #LoLoJones is all #HatAndNoCattle Maybe she’ll try golf? https://t.co/5C7Pau8QvV
— William Carr (@yllib1234) February 19, 2014
You guys, an unsuccesful summer Olympian is competing in a winter sport where she spends 99% of the event doing nothing #lolojones
— Brian Runnells (@ClimbingNarc) February 18, 2014
#lolojones I love you you are such an inspiration!
— Alison Boyd (@AlisonBoyd3) February 20, 2014
#LoloJones has been criticized since day she stepped on the athletics track & ever since. Cannot understand why so much criticism. Excessive
— Debbie Bonaminio (@Debonsport) February 20, 2014
