Saving sex for marriage is harder than training for the Olympics, says Lolo Jones, a 29-year-old hurdler from Iowa who is competing in London.
She recently talked about the struggle to remain a virgin in an episode of HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," saying:
"It’s just a gift I want to give my husband. But please understand this journey has been hard. There are virgins out there and I want to let them know that it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Harder than training for the Olympics. Harder than graduating from college has been to stay a virgin before marriage. I’ve been tempted. I've had guys tell me, 'Hey, you know, if you have sex it will help you run faster.'"
Lolo highly doubts that claim, she added, but would rather be a virgin bride than a gold medalist.
In the same interview the devout Christian admitted she's tried multiple dating sites in her quest to find a husband.
Last month, in an interview with Jay Leno, Lolo joked about asking out another high-profile athlete who is saving sex for marriage: Tim Tebow. She said she's received a mixed reaction to her profession of virginity, including some supportive remarks and "some backlash."
"Are you single, are you dating?" Jay asked.
"I'm single right now," she answered. "I'm not looking. I have to concentrate on the Olympics. Seriously, let me get this medal for Team USA."
"Well, there are a lot of guys who appreciate that," Jay said.
Join me in cheering for Lolo – on and off the track.
