Chambers to learn fate

Published on Thursday 6 November 2003 00:00

EUROPEAN 100 metres champion Dwain Chambers was set to learn today the result of his ’B’ sample after failing a drugs test for the anabolic steroid THG on August 1.

Chambers, shocked to learn last month that the out-of-competition test he underwent in Germany proved positive for the drug tetrahydrogestrinone, knows his athletics career is in jeopardy.

If the ‘B’ sample tested by the University of California confirms that of the initial test, the best scenario will see him banned for two years, unless he can prove his innocence without reasonable doubt.

If proven guilty, the lengthy suspension will seriously damage Chambers’ future international career, denying him from competing in next year’s Olympic Games in Athens. Even worse for the Londoner is that under British Olympic Association rules he would also be banned from ever competing again in the event.

Chambers, 25, remains adamant he has never taken any banned drugs or supplements to enhance his performance.

But under strict IAAF regulations, that state whatever is in an athlete’s system is his responsibility, Chambers has little room for manoeuvre if the ‘B’ sample also proves positive.

No sympathy can be expected from the IAAF, who are relishing the chance of making athletics a cleaner sport. Informed about the designer masking agent by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, who received a syringe filled with THG from a whistle-blowing American coach, the IAAF aim to rid the sport of drug cheats.