29-Year-Old U.S. Olympian Gaining National Attention Because...She's Committed to Virginity

Considering all of the negative influences in television, film, music and sports, it's rare to find a positive role model who's willing to boldly go against societal norms. Enter Lolo Jones, the 29-year-old track and field star who's been getting a fair bit of press since tweeting earlier this year that she's a virgin.

MyNorthwest.com has more information about this fascinating athlete, whose conservative views on sex are rooted in her Christian worldview:

At 29-years-old, Lolo Jones has already had a life of overcoming challenges. She's a multiracial, devout Christian who grew up "dirt poor" with her mom and four siblings in Iowa.

Jones, who competes in the women's 100-meter hurdles, described living in the basement of a Salvation Army during the ESPN documentary about her life that was broadcast this week.

"I definitely would say, by sixth grade, I was a professional shoplifter and not because I wanted to. I'm not going out to shoplift earrings or clothes or shoes like the average teenager," Jones says. "I was shoplifting frozen dinners at a grocery store. I could shoplift four frozen dinners, easily."

Now she's easily one of the biggest track and field stars in America. She has a sculpted, perfect body, and on top of everything else, she's opened up about her ongoing struggles to remain a virgin.

ABC's "The View" took this issue on yesterday as well and discussed a variety of themes surrounding both Jones and the challenges associated with adult virginity:

In recent interviews, the athlete has made known her wish to give her virginity to her future husband. The quest, of course, hasn't been an easy one.

"It's just something, a gift that I want to give to my husband. But please understand this journey has been hard. If there’s virgins out there, I just want to let them know, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life," she said this week on "Today." "Harder than training for the Olympics, harder than graduating from college, has been to stay a virgin before marriage."

And, as can be imagined, there have been plenty of temptations along the way.

"I've been tempted. I've had guys tell me, they're like, 'Hey you know if you have sex it will help you run faster,'" Jones said, going on to give her response: "If you marry me, then yeah."

Jones has continued to share her experience and her pledge with her fans on Twitter. Donald Trump even weighed in on her virginity:

The track and field star first made her very personal announcement on Twitter earlier this year and she has continued to be open and honest about her struggles. Jones competed in the 2008 Olympics and will also be vying for a win in the 2012 London games.