American Marion Jones made a triumphant return to the track on Friday as he won the 60m sprint at the indoor Millrose Games in a time of 7.21 seconds.
The triple Olympic champion, who had not raced for 18 months while she took a break to have a baby, overcame a wretched start at the Madison Square Garden event but found her stride after 30 metres to edge a strong field.
Angela Daigle finished second in 7.24 seconds and Inger Miller third in 7.27 seconds.
"I was nervous and it showed in my start," Jones told reporters.
"I looked like a woman who had been on pregnancy leave.
"After 30 metres I knew I had to do something. I told myself I should be dominating and fortunately after 40 metres it clicked.
"I'm not excited about the time, but considering all the hoopla surrounding my 'comeback' and the pressure I felt, this was a good way to start 2004."
While the 28-year-old was not at her best, she looked in good shape and insisted the outing -- only her second indoor race as a professional -- had reminded her of what she had missed during 2003.
"When I walked into the arena, I got the buzz again," she said.
"It brought a smile to my face and I knew this is where I belong.
"I have work to do, but I know there are lots more for me to do in the sport."
Jones, who won five medals in all at the Sydney Olympics four years ago -- three gold and two bronze -- said this week she wants to go for five golds at this year's Athens Olympics.
She will hope to dominate the 100m, 200m, long jump and the 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay.
