You are in > manchester.com  > News > Chambers set for court battle over Olympics ban

Athletics

Chambers set for court battle over Olympics ban

03/07/2008

Lawyers representing Dwain Chambers have filed papers at the high court against a British Olympic Association (BOA) rule banning the sprinter from competing in Beijing.

Chambers has already served a two-year ban after testing positive for a banned steroid but under BOA rules he is serving a lifetime ban from joining any British team competing at the Olympics.

His barrister will argue against the legality of the rule itself rather than claim mitigating circumstances.

"The basis of Mr Chambers' claim is that the byelaw is an unreasonable restraint of trade in that it goes further than is reasonably necessary for protecting the interests of BOA and the public," said Chambers' lawyer Nick Collins.

Chambers, 30, is hopeful of the court hearing taking place before the BOA trials in Birmingham later this month.

The sprinter has already posted the fastest time for the 100m of any British athlete this year and is certain to record a time that would normally qualify him for the Olympics.

The 2008 Games begin on August 8th.