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Chambers qualifies for semis in quest to make Olympics

11/07/2008

Disgraced sprinter Dwain Chambers has qualified for the 100-metres semi-final at the British Olympic trials in Birmingham.

The sprinter won his heat in a time of 10.14 seconds, and must finish in the top two in tomorrow's final to stand a chance of making the British team for Beijing.

Chambers is seeking a High Court injunction on Wednesday to lift his lifetime Olympic ban for failing a drugs test.

It presents a major headache for UK Athletics, who may delay naming its 100-metre team until after the High Court ruling.

Chambers said he was confident of making the grade in tomorrow's semi-final at 16:00 BST with the final at 17:55.

"It's pleasing that I've come out and run a good time," the 30-year-old told the BBC.

"I can go home and relax and prepare mentally for tomorrow.

"I just have to deal with the most important thing, which is competing, and not worry about the end result. I'm just hoping for a good performance this weekend.

"Knowing my judgement is to be decided on Wednesday (is hanging over me) but I'm trying to block it out."

The British Olympic Association banned Chambers from all Olympics after he served a two-year ban in 2003 for taking banned steroid THG.

Simeon Williamson (10.31), Craig Pickering (10.33), Marlon Devonish (10.38), Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (10.38) Christian Malcolm (10.43) and Tyrone Edgar (10.54) also won their heats to book their semi-final spots at the Alexander Stadium.