British sprinter Chambers fails in bid to overturn ban

He tested positive for the steroid THG in 2003 and received a lifetime ban.

LONDON (AP) — British sprinter Dwain Chambers failed Friday in his bid to overturn a lifetime Olympic ban because of doping, and will not be able to compete at the Beijing Games.

London’s High Court refused to grant an injunction against the British Olympic Association’s bylaw which bans doping violators for life from the games. Chambers’ legal team said it would not appeal the decision.

“The judge has made his decision,” Chambers said.

The sprinter did not comment on possible retirement plans. His attorney suggested in court Thursday that Chambers likely would retire if he lost the case.

Chambers, who won the 100-meter race at last Saturday’s British Olympic trials in 10 seconds, served a two-year ban after testing positive for the steroid THG in August 2003.

Despite ruling against Chambers, Judge Colin Mackay criticized the BOA bylaw.

“People both inside and outside sport would see this bylaw as unlawful,” Mackay said.

The BOA has asked its Anti-Doping Commission to undertake a review of the bylaw in conjunction with the independent British Athletes Commission.

“Today has strengthened our resolve that it’s the right approach, but we also want to make sure we are reflecting the athletes’ wishes,” BOA chairman Colin Moynihan said. “I don’t believe today will change that bylaw, but we need to keep it under review.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency said the verdict reinforced its decision to strengthen sanctions for serious doping violations.

“This decision sends a strong message that athletes who commit serious doping violations will have to face significant consequences,” said WADA president John Fahey. “There will continue to be no tolerance for cheaters in sport.”

Chambers would have been eligible to compete if only International Olympic Committee rules applied.

In his deliberation, Mackay highlighted the new IOC rule, which came into effect July 1, banning athletes from the following Olympics upon receiving a drug suspension of at least six months.

“We welcome the court’s judgment,” IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies said.

“We believe in a zero tolerance approach to athletes who take banned drugs.”

Mackay said Chambers had little chance of winning a medal in Beijing and that it would be unfair to deny an opportunity for athletes who had never taken drugs, upsetting the team’s harmony.

“His 10-second time achieved last weekend is confronted by the fact that there will be nine other athletes in Beijing who have run a faster time this year,” Mackay said.

He also said athletes in other sports could make their own appeal if Chambers won his bid, such as cyclist David Millar and shot putter Carl Myerscough, who both have served doping bans.