Chambers clings to Olympic hope

Last Modified: 09 Jul 2008
Source: ITN

Dwain Chambers launched his bid to compete in the Olympic Games by attending a short hearing at the High Court but he still has two major hurdles to overcome.

Now he is hoping to finish in the qualification places at the Olympic Trials in Birmingham at the weekend and then return to the High Court on Wednesday to make a legal case against his lifetime ban from the Great Britain Olympic team.

Chambers was represented in court by Jonathan Crystal, a specialist sports barrister, who pointed out to the judge Mr Justice Mackay, that next week's hearing depends on the sprinter finishing first or second in Birmingham.

The judge said: "He will pass that with flying colours. If he doesn't, the case becomes academic."

Chambers is challenging the British Olympic Association by-law that prevents former drugs cheats competing at the Games even when their comeptition suspensions are over.

Chambers, 30, has served a two-year ban from competition for using the designer steroid tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) and there is no chance of convincing the BOA there were mitigating circumstances.

He said: "I am confident about what I am capable of doing and the rest is up to the decision of the court and I will abide by that decision."

Outside court, BOA chairman Lord Moynihan said he welcomed the chance to put the Association's case before the courts.

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