Raleigh (North Carolina), June 30: The world's fastest baby came much quicker than expected. Olympic champion Marion Jones and world-record holder Tim Montgomery's baby was born saturday night at about 10 P.M. (0200GMT) at Duke University hospital and weighed 2.65 kg. Jones, who won five medals at the 2000 Olympics, was due to give birth in July. "I am so happy", Jones said in a statement released by her publicist, Lewis Kay. "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. He's a beautiful baby, and Tim and I could not be more excited". Montgomery, who set the world record in the 100 meters of 9.78 seconds last September, was at the Norwich Union International race in glasgow, Scotland, when he received news of the birth early yesterday.

He was en route to North Carolina and was disappointed he could not be there for the birth of his son. "We knew we'd have a fast baby, but I didn't expect him to be this fast", Montgomery said, joking. "It was very stressful for me not to be right there with Marion. We just didn't think he'd come this soon. But I'm relieved to know they are both doing very well and I can't wait to see them".

When Montgomery found out about the birth, he decided not to run in the race and fly back home. But after an encouraging telephone conversation with Jones, he decided to run.

Despite one hour of sleep, Montgomery finished second in the 100 behind Dwain Chambers.

Jones plans to return to the track in September to start training for the Athens Olympics in 2004.

This is Jones' first child. Montgomery has a daughter, Tyhamia, born in 2001.

Bureau Report