Athletes delighted as drug cheat Chambers' Olympic dream is over
Denied: Dwain Chambers has failed in his bid to compete at the Beijing Olympics
Dwain Chambers will not run in Beijing after a High Court judge refused to lift his lifetime Olympic ban. And, in the wake of the decision, Britain's Olympic team will be asked if they want to continue with the policy of life bans for drug cheats.
British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan yesterday requested the British Athletes Commission, an independent body representing competitors, to carry out one of their regular surveys on the issue.
Lord Moynihan revealed the poll after Mr Justice Sir Colin Mackay ruled against sprinter Chambers' challenge to the BOA's bylaw 25, which refuses selection for life to any athlete found guilty of a drug offence.
Last time the BAC polled athletes, 90 per cent were in support, and Lord Moynihan expects that ringing endorsement again. He wants to hear it from them because it will support his belief in selling the idea of tougher sanctions to the rest of the world.
He said: 'Today has strengthened our resolve that it's the right approach but we want to make sure we reflect the athletes' wishes.
The IOC has now made a major move in the direction of the BOA, WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) have toughened up their position and with the High Court decision I think the tide has turned in our direction.'
The BOA introduced the bylaw in 1992 at athletes' requests. In all, 31 athletes have appealed against bans, citing mitigating factors, and 28 have been successful but no athlete has previously challenged the legality of the rule.
Harrier: Dwain Chambers in the Belgrave vest
Chambers' action failed on all counts, with the judge most critical of the lateness in bringing the case, which left too little time for proper discussion. Yesterday it was impossible to find an athlete, past or present, who did not back the BOA's bylaw.
They queued to welcome the verdict and condemn Chambers. Lynn Davies, the 1964 Olympic long jump champion and president of UK Athletics, said: 'I am not making any judgment personally about Dwain Chambers.
'This is about principle and we, the UKA board, don't want to see anyone with a drug conviction competing for their country.'
UKA appointed a working party three months ago chaired by Dame Tanni Gray Thompson to make recommendations on new rules for selection. Their report will be published after the Olympics.
Colin Jackson, former world 110m hurdles champion and record holder, said: 'Dwain, get on with your life, whatever that will be - we don't want you in our team.'
Jo Pavey, picked for 5000 and 10,000 metres in Beijing, said: 'This is brilliant news. If they had let him run it would have sent a wrong message to youngsters in the sport as we prepare to stage the Games in 2012.
'It is also good news for clean athletes who in the past have had to battle against drug cheats. Who knows if he is still benefitting from what he took - you can't be sure.'
