Dwain court case delayed
Great Britain’s squad for the Beijing Olympics was announced yesterday, but the sprinting line-up will not be named until Thursday, when Dwain Chambers’ case against a lifetime ban is heard in the High Court.
Simeon Williamson was the only male 100m runner included in the draft squad, but Chambers and one other will join him if the controversial athlete wins his legal challenge this week.
Chambers and his team are seeking a temporary injunction against the British Olympic Association by-law that prevents anyone convicted of a serious doping offence from competing at the Games ever again.
His case had been due to be heard tomorrow, but has been moved back 24 hours to allow BOA chairman Lord Moynihan to attend. Chambers, who served a two-year ban for using the steroid THG, must be selected if he wins his appeal, having won the 100m title at the British trials.
If Chambers loses his legal challenge, Williamson will be joined by two sprinters from a shortlist of Craig Pickering, Tyrone Edgar or Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Meanwhile, marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe admits she is facing a battle to be fit for Beijing.
The 34-year-old was checked over by British Olympic doctors in London yesterday, but will return to France to continue her recuperation from a stress fracture of the femur.
Radcliffe said: “I’m going back to continue my training – but yes, it is going to be a race against time.”