White Plains, N.Y. ? For years, Marion Jones angrily denied using steroids. On Friday, she admitted it all was a lie.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators when she denied using performance-enhancing drugs, and announced her retirement after the hearing. Jones also pleaded guilty to a second count of lying to investigators about her association with a check-fraud scheme.

Outside the U.S. District Court, Jones broke down in tears as she apologized for her actions, saying she understands she has disappointed her friends, family and supporters.

“I want you to know that I have been dishonest and you have the right to be angry with me,” she said, pausing frequently to regain her composure while her mother stood behind her, a supportive hand on Jones’ shoulder. “I have let (my family) down. I have let my country down, and I have let myself down.

“I recognize that by saying I’m deeply sorry, it might not be enough and sufficient to address the pain and hurt that I’ve caused you. Therefore, I want to ask for your forgiveness for my actions, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

After her tearful statement, Jones, her mother and her attorney drove away in a black limousine. She did not take questions.

In court, Jones, seated at the defense table and speaking in a clear voice through a microphone, said she lied to a federal investigator in November 2003 when he asked if she had used performance-enhancing drugs.

“I answered that I had not. This was a lie, your honor,” she said.

Jones said she took steroids from September 2000 to July 2001 and said she was told by her then-coach Trevor Graham that she was taking flaxseed oil when it was actually “the clear.”