Chambers faces double trial
Sprinter Dwain Chambers will discover his Olympic fate in the High Court next week – but only after he succeeds in a trial of a different kind in Birmingham tomorrow night.
Chambers launched his bid to run in Beijing next month by formally challenging a British Olympic Association by-law which prevents athletes who have failed drug tests from competing in the Games.
Although the full hearing won’t take place until next year, the High Court will hear an injunction from Chambers’s lawyers next Wednesday.
If successful, the 30-year-old will be given the green light to compete in Beijing – but only if he either wins or finishes second in tomorrow night’s 100m Olympic trials.
Chambers ran the fastest time by a Britain this year with 10.05 seconds in Sofia a fortnight ago, but admits he is feeling the strain of pressure away from the track.
Speaking outside the court yesterday, Chambers said: “This morning was a bit tough for me but I guess I’m getting used to it.
The process is hard but I’m confident about what I’m doing and that is making sure I cross the line first when I run. The rest is up to my lawyers.”
The BOA rule has been in place for 16 years but differs to the position of world governing body, the IAAF, which states that athletes found guilty of doping can return to all competition once their bans are served. Selectors will name the GB team for Beijing before 20 July and chairman Lord Moynihan remains satisfied that Wednesday’s hearing will not force them into making any last-minute inclusions.
“We will continue to vigorously defend the by-law and bring the witnesses we want to bring and produce the cross-examination that is needed to defend that by-law,” he added. “So, the principle outcome of today is one that we warmly welcome.”