Legal action likely course for Chambers

World indoor 60 metres silver medallist Dwain Chambers, who won his battle to race in Valencia, is almost certain to take legal action in a bid to run in this summer’s Olympic Games.

Chambers, despite immediate post-race comment that he may have to quit athletics and find a new career, seems sure to challenge a British Olympic Association (BOA) ruling that he cannot represent the UK in Beijing.

The BOA’s rule excludes anyone who has ever committed an anti-doping violation from representing Britain at the Olympics unless they have mitigating circumstances.

“There may not be a comeback,” said Chambers, despite his elation after running a personal best and losing by just 0.03 seconds in a dramatic world indoor 60m final in Valencia.

After finishing runner-up to Nigerian Olusoji Fasuba, Chambers had said: “As I said earlier, this is my Olympic Games. I have my medal; I’m happy – and let’s hope there’s a chance for me to move forward.

“If not, then I’ll pursue a career elsewhere.”

Chambers’ lawyer Nick Collins said today he was meeting with his client on his return from Valencia to decide whether to challenge the BOA regulation.

“We always said after Dwain was picked for Valencia he would concentrate on winning a medal there, before looking towards his future,” said Collins.

“Nothing’s really changed. But there have been a couple of developments since our last meeting, and I will be seeing him again in midweek to discuss the way forward.”

Before the Valencia final, the 29-year-old Londoner admitted: “Here I want to win a medal for my country. But yes, I also wish to run at the Olympics. Running is my life,”

Chambers has refrained from criticising UK Athletics, who admitted they did not want him taking part in Valencia.

He has not made any remarks either about UKA chief Nils de Vos, who was vocal in his opposition to Chambers taking part in Valencia.

After Chambers had taken the silver medal, de Vos said: “This is obviously a spectacular personal success for Dwain – which has shown that he is one of the most naturally gifted sprinters in the world.”

Chambers has always acknowledged that UKA’s performance director Dave Collins and his staff have treated him in a fair manner since he was included in the team.

Collins and his colleagues would have preferred to have left Chambers at home and blooded another sprinter eligible to compete at the Beijing Olympics.

However, when UK Sport deemed the physiotherapists who are providing the medical back-up for the British squad could not treat Chambers, Collins arranged at UKA’s expense for his former personal physio Sarah Connors to be flown to the championships.

UKA’s stance is in contrast to that of several other IAAF member federations.

It is understood that at least seven competitors who have served two-year bans and five who have received public warnings are competing in Valencia with the full support of their governing bodies.

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson is leading a review of UKA’s anti-doping policy aimed at preventing drug cheats from representing their country ever again.

But given UKA are committed signatories to global authorities, in particular the IAAF and the World Anti-Doping Agency, it seems unless international rules are amended that costly legal battles and a loss of face in the courts could follow.