Controversial British athletics icon, 45, returns to competitive sprinting
DWAIN CHAMBERS will be competing in a competitive race at the age of 45, but he should forget about winning altogether!
But despite its dodgy drug history, UK Athletics is open to working with and talking to the current generation about its checkered past and complicated history.
In his pomp, Chambers was one of the best sprinters around. He won bronze in the 100 meters at world level in 1999 and gold in the 60 meters indoors in Doha 14 years ago.
But infamously he became involved in the whole BALCO doping scandal in the US. In 2003, he tested positive for a banned steroid, was suspended from the sport for two years and stripped of several medals.
Chambers should probably have retired and given up competition by now, but he will be the oldest person in the field at the two-day British Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham.
UKA Olympic Head Coach Paula Dunn said: “The reality is that with the standards he will not qualify for the World Indoors.
“He enjoys his athletics. He is qualified as equal.
“He's doing a great job in Lee Valley with his academy. So just like any other athlete, he can keep racing.
“I don't think he has any realistic ambitions to go to the World Indoors (in Glasgow) but he is running very well for someone in his mid-40s.
“Some people like to keep fit and compete. He clearly feels like he has more to give.
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“And like any athlete, he thinks he wants to reach his full potential at the age of 45.
“As a sport we are inclusive. So he is welcome to do that.”
It has been ten years since he last ran in British colours, most notably finishing fourth in the 100m final at the European Championships in Zurich.
That year he also ran at the 2014 World Indoors in Sopot, Poland, but came sixth as Teesside Tornado Richard Kilty claimed the 60m title.
Some will not forgive Chambers for his indiscretions and UKA policy allows someone who has served a drug ban to work as national coach.
Dunn would have no problem getting him into a UKA camp, especially since he was trying to redeem himself by educating people about the pitfalls of cheating.
She said: “Dwain has run many workshops telling young people about the dangers and how to say things, focusing on what you are trying to achieve, without taking shortcuts.
“So for me it's a story of redemption. He got caught, he admitted it and he tried to make the best of the situation.
“If he can educate people about the pitfalls, I think that's a bonus.
“Sometimes the people who can best convey the message are the person who has suffered some consequences.
“So it's not off the table yet, but I haven't really thought about it yet. In the long run, it could be something that could be helpful to the program.
“As an advisor and as a speaker for athletes in the areas he is currently talking about, he could be useful.”
Sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – who is Nitro in the BBC Gladiators reboot – has withdrawn from the national trials.