The Athletics Thread

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Sprinter Dwain Chambers says he wants to compete at the Olympics despite UK Athletics' opposition to him wearing a British vest after his drugs ban. The 29-year-old returned to the sport in 2006 after a two-year ban. British Olympic Association rules ban drug takers from selection but this has never been legally challenged. "I may be the first. I'll let my legs do the talking and leave that to the lawyers. I'd love to compete in Beijing, any athlete would," he said. "If my legs run well enough, I hope to be in a position to warrant my ban being overturned," he said. On Saturday, Chambers ran well within the qualifying time for the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in March. UK Athletics have refused him a place in the trials for the Indoors because they said he had retired and had not undertaken a drugs test since November 2006. But his lawyer have said they could sue if he is barred from those trials. "I'll be sending them a fax asking them to say whether Dwain can or cannot compete in the trials," said Neil Collins. "If he cannot we will pursue the matter. We cannot afford to wait to hear again he cannot run. "Time is running out and we must if necessary get the case into court before Friday at the latest, but earlier if possible."

It would be a disgrace if he is allowed to run. The guy is s drug cheat and should never ever be allowed to run.

So what are people's views on this?

i disagree.

His coach was the culprit feeding his athletes with the drugs... athletes aren't a clever sort - they rely on others - unfortunately his supplier wsn't legit.

I used to watch the Olympics and Commonwealth games etc.

Now though I don't bother as you don't know who's on drugs and who isn't.

Originally Posted by Toony™® i disagree. His coach was the culprit feeding his athletes with the drugs... athletes aren't a clever sort - they rely on others - unfortunately his supplier wsn't legit.

nah i dont buy that - maybe he does rely on others BUT he is to blame as much as his coach.

I think it would be a disgrace if he was allowed to return, thanks to him Darren Campbell and the others lost their relay medals

Originally Posted by Uzi I used to watch the Olympics and Commonwealth games etc. Now though I don't bother as you don't know who's on drugs and who isn't.

That is why i dont like Chambers and other drug cheats, thanks to them the majority of athletes who are hardworking and give 100% are besmirched

I've always been a fan of chambers so I'm inclined to believe him, although it is sad that the rest of the relay team had to lose their medals.

He's served his ban so I'd like to see him back....whilst undergoing regular drugs tests.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Former Olympic and world 100m champion Maurice Greene has announced his retirement, citing niggling injuries.

The 33-year-old American sprint star has been plagued by injury in the last two years and has now decided to pursue coaching and business interests.

"It's a little sad for me but I've had a great career. Because of my injuries, it's better to call it quits," he said.

Greene had been expected to compete in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m races at this year's summer Olympics in Beijing.

But he said: "I don't think I can have that mental battle with myself coming back from injury any more. It takes a lot out of you mentally ... you start getting down and then you get depressed.

"This is Olympic year, something I wanted to do so bad. So I just decided to call it quits ... I want other people in the sport to shine."

The Kansas native has been one of the sport's dominant figures over the past decade, winning the 100m world championship in 1997, 1999 and 2001.

He also took gold in the 4x200m and 4x100m relay in 1999, placing him alongside Tyson Gay and Carl Lewis as one of only three men to win triple gold.

Greene triumphed in the 100m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he also anchored the victorious men's 100m relay team and he still holds the indoor 60m world record of 6.39 seconds.

However, his last wins on tour came in the 2004 season, with the likes of Asafa Powell and Gay dominating the sport in recent years.

"It's a shocker to me," Gay told reporters. "Not having Maurice Greene around in track and field any more is just like Michael Jordan retiring from basketball, or Tiger Woods retiring.

"He's the greatest."

[Geordie Ahmed]

Maurice Greene was a quality sprinter, one of my favourites - i always tried to watch him race whenever i could.

I can understand him retiring because he was no longer good enough to compete for medals

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed nah i dont buy that - maybe he does rely on others BUT he is to blame as much as his coach. I think it would be a disgrace if he was allowed to return, thanks to him Darren Campbell and the others lost their relay medals

I will have to withdraw partial support... he knowingly took THG from his american coach -same one as marion jones -to give him an edge apparently on his coach's advice. What a idiot.

Although, i do support him giving him another chance... he paid his dues via a ban, returned all his earnings for 2002 - 2005 and for me its a fresh start.

If McClaren can cheat in F1 and still be involved in the sport. All things are possible.

Would have to say that Athletics as a sport is probably the most stringent in its drugs testing compared all the other sports!

TBH, all sports for me are tainted in some way. all athletes in all sports pre-2000 are suspect to drug taking for me.

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Sprinter Dwain Chambers will be allowed to compete at the world indoor trials and national championships in Sheffield this weekend, say UK Athletics (UKA). UKA chiefs will reluctantly let the 29-year-old run after admitting they do not have "sufficiently strong legal grounds" to stop him competing. Chambers' legal team threatened to take action if he was not allowed to run. UKA wanted to prevent him running as he has not undergone a drugs test since November 2006. "To maintain the public's full confidence in our athletes and in the sport in general we want to ensure beyond all doubt that all athletes wishing to compete under the Union flag are drug-free," said UKA chief executive Niels de Vos. "Our view is that all established athletes must participate in the out-of-competition testing programme for a continuous 12 months prior to competing for GB, Dwain is not in that position. "However, we recognise that we do not have sufficiently strong legal grounds to refuse him an invitation given our published invitation policy. "Reluctantly therefore, Dwain Chambers has been informed he is permitted to participate." Chambers won the 60m at Sunday's Birmingham Games in 6.60 seconds to easily meet the qualifying standard. The Londoner said: "I am relieved and delighted about UKA's decision allowing me to run on the weekend. "I would like to thank Mr de Vos personally. As for the future, I just want to concentrate on Sunday and doing what I do best. "It is now up to me to win the UK qualifier. We will take it from there." Chambers will almost certainly have to win on Sunday to guarantee a place in the World Indoor Championships in Valencia from 7-9 March. UKA's selection policy means they must pick the race winner but if Chambers finished second he is unlikely to receive the discretionary pick. "Subsequent decisions on selection for the world indoors will be made in accordance with UKA's selection policy," said De Vos. "It is, of course, not possible to prejudge, on a hypothetical basis, the outcome of that process. "UKA have recently announced a full review of policy on doping offenders to ensure that in future all athletes, coaches and supporters will be clear as to the full consequences for those found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs." UKA had been reluctant to let Chambers run because they want to take a hard line on athletes returning following drugs offences. BBC athletics commentator Steve Cram believes the organisation was too hasty in stating that Chambers had no chance of competing at the trials in Sheffield. "I don't think UK Athletics have played this very well," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I can understand Niels de Vos and Ed Warner (chairman of UKA) wanting to make a stance against drug cheats, but in this case they should have waited until they were in a strong position." Cram added: "I don't think anybody wants Chambers running for Great Britain anymore and I really don't think he will." Chambers tested positive for the steroid THG in 2003 and served a two-year ban, but returned to the sport in 2006. The Londoner then chose to pursue a career in American football at which point UKA, believing he had retired, took him off UK Sport's drug-testing list. UKA chief executive Niels de Vos insisted Chambers would have to undergo another 12-month period of out-of-competition drugs test before he would be considered for a Great Britain recall. However, the sport's governing body, the IAAF, did not support that view as Chambers had not submitted a letter of resignation to themselves or UKA. Chambers is currently ranked British number three over 60m behind Simeon Williamson (6.60) and Craig Pickering (6.57). Both said they had no problem with Chambers returning to try and stake his claim for a place in the British squad for next month's World Indoor Championships. "It doesn't really bother me that much," Pickering told BBC Sport. "He has obviously cheated in the past but he's served his time and that's what the rules say, so I can't really have much of an opinion over and above that. "I wouldn't particularly welcome him back as an athlete but I don't have a problem with him as a person." Williamson added: "I train with Dwain, so if he goes through instead of me I'll be happy. I think he should be allowed to compete." Chambers remains confident that he will receive the support of the majority of his fellow athletes. "I think I've been humble enough and hopefully they can be a little bit more forgiving than most," Chambers told 5 Live at the weekend. "I'm hoping that I can go out and gain everyone's trust again to show that I can run clean. "I'm aware I'm not going to be everyone's cup of tea but for those that have supported me I'm very grateful." Under UKA's selection policy, the winner of the 60m at the trials will automatically be handed a place in the British squad.

Bit of a lengthy article BUT basically he will be running

Chambers is now going to have to win to get a place, lets hope he doesnt win

[Toony™®]

Well, tbh, over 100m, Dwain still is Britains best prospect.

Mark Lewis Francis is a major dissapointment..for me he is too bulky.

[Geordie Ahmed]

I agree about Mark Lewis Francis, he had so much potential BUT hasnt done much with it, infact he seems to have gotten worse.

That other young lad Harry Akin something or the other also won Gold at the world youth championships a few years ago BUT havnt heard of him since.

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Chief executive Niels de Vos has vowed to restructure UK Athletics' selection policy to prevent a repeat of the Dwain Chambers competition row. Insufficient legal grounds ensured UKA had to allow Chambers, who has served a two-year drugs ban, to compete for a spot at the World Indoor Championships. UKA tried to prevent him running as he has not had a drugs test since 2006. "I need to frame our governance rules so that we can maintain a right of selection," De Vos told BBC Sport. "And I must do so in such a way that the law cannot unpick that right." Chambers' legal team threatened to take action if he was not allowed to run and so the 29-year-old will compete at the World Indoor trials and national championships in Sheffield this weekend. "A letter from Mr. De Vos confirmed Dwain's entry for the trials and also stated that he would be eligible to run for Britain at the World Indoor Championships," Chambers' solicitor Nick Collins told BBC Radio 5 Live. "If Dwain wins and is not included in the team for Valencia then I would be astonished and disappointed. We would review the situation and certainly be mounting a legal challenge. But that is unilkely in light of the letter I received from Mr De Vos." Victory for the sprinter in Sheffield is expected to guarantee Chambers a place at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia from 7-9 March. However, De Vos is concerned that Chambers running could harm public opinion of the sport, saying: "My view is not about an individual but about the sport and how it's very, very important the sport is clean. "The Marion Jones scandal, for example, has a serious chance of undermining the sport. "That's wrong in the UK, where our athletes are the most tested sports people in the world, but we have to do what we can to be seen to be clean to maintain the public's support. "This isn't a personal crusade by me against an athlete, or indeed by UK Athletics. But there is a wind of change (against drug users) blowing through the sport." And De Vos admitted he did not subscribe to the view that once athletes found guilty of drug abuse had served their suspension, they should be allowed to compete immediately. "I'm not sure it's sport's responsibility to rehabilitate individuals in quite the same way as it is in other areas of public life," he said. "I just want our body to be able to maintain its right to select whoever we choose for our national teams. "No-one would dream of telling Fabio Capello or Brian Ashton that the law means you will pick this individual and yet that's the situation athletics finds itself in. I find that wholly bizarre." Meanwhile, Athens Olympic sprint relay gold medallist Jason Gardener believes lifetime bans should be introduced for doping cheats in athletics. "I'm not happy with the amount of drug taking in our sport and in other sports," the 32-year-old from Bath told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I was deprived of the chance to compete at the 2003 World Championships by Dwain because he took up one of the qualifying spots - a few months later he was banned. "I think we need to have a global policy to make punishments more severe. I'm all for a lifetime ban."

Its a shame a law wasnt in place before hand cos now Chambers will be running and if he wins he will qualify for the World Indoor Championships.

I just hope he doesnt win cos otherwise the Championships will be overshadowed by this as opposed to the actual events which is what it should be about

[Toony™®]

but, if he clean..he is clean.

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Dwain Chambers has heaped the pressure on UK Athletics with a dominant 60m victory at the world indoor trials and national championships. The 29-year-old's win guarantees him a place in the British squad for next month's World Indoor Championships under UKA's selection policy. But UKA had made it clear it does not want Chambers, who served a two-year drugs ban, representing Britain. The selectors meet on Monday and are likely to announce the team on Tuesday. Olympic silver medallist Steve Cram revealed he would not pick Chambers to represent Britain, and believed the two-year ban the sprinter had received was not enough. "If I personally was a selector then, no, I wouldn't pick Dwain Chambers to represent Britain in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships," Cram wrote in his BBC Sport website column. "The reasons? He did an awful lot of damage to the sport in the UK and in world terms too; and as an athlete it's not as easy to be quite as forgiving as the general public might be. "I don't think a two-year ban is ever enough punishment, and I'm saying that for all drugs cheats, not just Dwain. It just shouldn't be that easy to come back." BBC 5 Live athletics correspondent Mike Costello said Chambers had made it very difficult for UKA not to pick him. "I think you'd have to suppose that UKA will pick him now - after all, they did two years ago when he first came back," said Costello. "In Sheffield, it was hard to find someone who was really angry with Chambers for what he's done - and the fact that competing athletes are not coming out against him is giving him some momentum. "UK Athletics are trying to change their stance on this, but they have already selected him and that weakens their position." UKA had wanted to stop Chambers running because he has not been in its drugs testing programme since 2006. But it had to let him run after admitting it did not "sufficiently strong legal grounds" to stop him. Chambers pressed home his claims by powering away from the field in Sheffield to win in 6.55 seconds - the fastest time in Britain in 2008. The Londoner felt his victory should justify his selection, telling BBC Sport: "Hopefully I will have done enough to get to the Worlds. "I'd like to believe my performance warrants that and I just hope the selectors do the right thing. "Today has been worth everything I've been through; and it's not over yet as my goal is to win the World Indoors." However, the selectors could choose to invoke their "exceptional circumstances" ruling to deny him a place in the British team. They could argue that because Chambers is not eligible to compete in the Olympics, after serving a two-year drugs ban, it is not in their interest to select him for any competition in an Olympic year. . . . .

Full Article Here

I guess he will get selected now. I would be surprised if they excluded him because Chambers will contest the decision and i reckon he would win.

Can't argue against him as an athlete, he is the best sprinter Britain have at the moment. I was dissapointed with Craig Pickering, expecting a lot better from him

[Saqlain_doosra]

Seen him couple of weeks ago in central london. He track suit on, didn't know he was that tall.

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Dwain Chambers has been included in Great Britain's squad for the next month's World Indoor Championships. The sprinter, who was banned from athletics for two years after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug THG, will run over 60m in Spain. UK Athletics had opposed the selection of Chambers for the three-day event in Valencia because of his doping past. But the 29-year-old Londoner won last weekend's trials, giving team bosses little choice but to pick him. However, in a strongly-worded statement, selectors made it clear they had picked Chambers under duress. "The committee was unanimous in its desire not to select Dwain," read the statement. "Taking him to the World Indoors deprives young, upwardly mobile committed athletes of this key development opportunity. "Our World Class Performance Programme is focused on achievement at Olympic and World level. "On this basis, it is extremely frustrating to leave young athletes at home; eligible for Beijing, in possession of the qualifying standard and committed to ongoing participation in a drug-free sport. "Unfortunately, the committee felt that the selection criteria pertaining to the winner of the trials, coupled with the manner of Dwain's performance, left them no room to take any other decision. "We wish all the selected athletes well at the event but will certainly explore ways in which future selections can be made to match the true 'spirit' of our sport." UKA named 21 athletes in its first wave of selections for the championships, which run from 7-9 March. A second wave of athletes to make up the full team will be announced on 26 February.

As expected he has been selected because they had no choice.

[Toony™®]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/7241625.stm

What important people are saying about him being selected..


hint: bold

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Toony™® http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/7241625.stm What important people are saying about him being selected.. hint: bold

Yes important people like these

"These days there are no unhappy circumstances where athletes don't know what they're doing. This is not 30 years ago when a 14-year-old child behind the Iron Curtain is given something at breakfast and told that it was part and parcel of becoming an international athlete. With the amount of money being spent on education programmes, I do not accept there are any circumstances where athletes like Dwain Chambers can get sucked into something without being complicit." Double Olympic gold medallist Lord Coe

"This was an athlete who went to America, knowingly took a drug that was undetectable at the time, got caught, admitted he'd taken drugs, then went on to say that you can't win anything without taking drugs. It doesn't put us in a good light allowing a cheat, who has admitted he's a cheat, to represent us." Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes

"It upsets me when Dwain comes out with statements that you cannot win an Olympic gold medal without taking drugs. That's factually wrong and it does an enormous amount of damage to the kids who want to come into the sport. I understand him wanting to be a shining example of what you can do clean but I don't buy that. He knew what he was doing and he should be big enough to put his hands up and say: 'I need to walk away'." 1996 Olympic 400m silver medallist Roger Black

The 3 people that seemed to be defending/supporting him are Tessa Sanderson, John Regis and Kim Collins - all of whom are black, make of that what you will

[Toony™®]

"For people who are saying that a young talent is being deprived a place at these games or Beijing, that's a load of twaddle. First you have to qualify for both events - which Chambers won't do because of the BOA lifetime ban on drug users. Note it's a British policy, not a worldwide policy. Second, the rest of the Brits are not good enough." awaisyboy

I was thinking this genius.

[12thMan]

I ran today

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Toony™® I was thinking this genius.

ah right, i didnt quite read that far

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Dwain Chambers will not be able to compete at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing after he missed the deadline to appeal against his lifetime suspension. The British Olympic Association banned the sprinter from competing at the Games after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003. Chambers had until Friday, 15 February to lodge an appeal to overturn his ban. But a spokeswoman for the BOA told BBC Sport the organisation has not received any correspondence from Chambers. However, she stressed Chambers is still free to appeal against his permanent ban should he wish to attempt to challenge the BOA's ruling, which excludes any athletes who have failed drugs tests from competing in the Olympics. "If they (athletes) wanted to be certain that their appeal has gone through the whole system, then they needed to launch an appeal by the (15 February) deadline," she told BBC Sport. "However, it's not necessarily the only opportunity - he (Chambers) can appeal at any given time." The 29-year-old has been controversially included in Great Britain's squad to run in the 60m at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia next month, despite UK Athletics' reluctance to select him. Chambers was banned for two years after he tested positive for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), earning a lifetime Olympic ban from the BOA in the process. He returned to athletics in 2006 and won the 60m sprint at the world indoor trials and national championships on 10 February, a victory which earned him an automatic slot into the Great Britain team. Chambers has already been hit by various snubs from future domestic and world athletics meets, as well as condemnation from administrators and former athletes. Former Olympian and 100m runner Allan Wells threatened to sever ties with the BOA if Chambers was given the green light to compete in Beijing.

Its good to know he missed the deadline (intentional or not) I definately dont want him running in the Olympics ever again

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Dwain Chambers will wait until after the World Indoor Championships in March before deciding whether to appeal against his lifetime Olympic ban. Chambers' lawyer Nick Collins told BBC Sport he could take his case to compete in the Beijing Games to the High Court. Under British Olympic Association (BOA) rules, the sprinter is banned from the Games after he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003. But an advisor said Chambers is focused on running the 60m event in Valencia. Damion Silk, who is acting as the 29-year-old's public relations spokesman, said he will not be making any further statements on an appeal case until after conclusion of the three-day indoor championships on 9 March. The Londoner had missed the BOA's 15 February deadline for to lodge an appeal against his ban, ruling him out of representing Great Britain in this summer's Games. But Collins said Chambers had only been given short notice of the BOA's deadline, but revealed he would be keeping his options open. "I was with Dwain and we had a long and productive meeting and he is in very good spirits and is not going to rush into any decision regarding his appeal," he said. "Dwain is focused on his training and on competing in Valencia and he wants to do well for his country." No British athlete has gone to the High Court before to take on the BOA over a lifetime ban and Chambers would be the first to do so. However, if Chambers opts to try to overturn his ban in the courtroom, he could face an enormous legal bill for his troubles. He already owes the International Association of Athletics Federations £100,000 from prize money he had earned while using steroids. Collins refused to comment on how Chambers will fund any legal case.

Like it says it would cost Chambers a lot of money to go through court so i would be surprised if he took that route. This whole issue does more harm than good to athletics

[Toony™®]

considering he is in debt too.

Tbh, this story is blown out of proportion. He was banned in 2003 and eligible from 2005... and already competed for GB.

Its aint chambers fault he hadn't been tested since he has been out of the sport. To add, I read somewhere vast majority of athletes who compete in national ( not international) events dont get tested unless they are finalists - due to cost.

we also know what happened with asif and akhtar- who were alledgedly advised not to compete as drugs may be still in system even after 3 months later.

Chambers would be automaticly be tested as soon as raced his first event!

One thing of note THG which he was banned for - only was added to ban list in October 2003 - same time it became detectable and known to WADA and FDA.

Kind of doesnt make sense..if it was not on banned list before that ... loads of athletes who had been taking it since 1999 may of took it because it was not on banned list.


Authorities didnt know about it at all. Food for thought.

drug testing in sport - 1966.

Also, drug testing in this sport started in 1968. Drugs being added to list every year.

Although doping in athletics was banned in 1928 - albeit no tests were carried out for 40 years!

[Geordie Ahmed]

I do agree that the testing procedures and some of the rules are flawed so Chambers is understandbly going to try to take advantage of those.

I think the testing needs to be more stringent if possible and the rules modified so that anyone caught is not allowed to run again

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Britain's Dwain Chambers cruised into the 60m final at the World Indoor Championships after winning his semi-final in Valencia. Chambers never looked in trouble as he stormed home, equalling his personal best with a time of 6.55 seconds. The 29-year-old was the third fastest qualifier for the final, which takes place at 1945 GMT. Fellow Briton Simeon Williamson joined Chambers in the final, qualifying as a fastest loser from his semi-final. Nigeria's Olusoji Fasuba staked his claim for the 60m gold by qualifying fastest in a time of 6.51, with American Mike Rodgers second quickest. While Fasuba looks favourite for gold, Chambers's form suggests he can challenge for a medal in the final.

FULL ARTICLE HERE

He has done very well to get to the final - equalled his personal best BUT seems like Fasuba will be too strong for him

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Dwain Chambers capped his controversial comeback by claiming silver behind Olusoji Fasuba in the 60m final at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia. Chambers set a new personal best with a time of 6.54 seconds, the same time as former world 100m champion Kim Collins, who also took silver in a dead heat. "I would like to have won, but I can't complain with a PB," a Chambers, who served a two-year drugs ban, said. Briton Simeon Williamson finished in seventh with a time of 6.63 secs. Nigerian Fasuba was in imperious form, storming to victory in 6.51 secs, equalling his season's world-leading time. "I felt great," said the 23-year-old Fasuba. "After the semi-final I strongly believed that I would win the gold."

FULL ARTICLE HERE

and Fasuba was too strong as he ran a brilliant race to win. Chambers however did brilliantly aswell to set a new PB is excellent for him.

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed from bbc.co.uk/sport FULL ARTICLE HERE and Fasuba was too strong as he ran a brilliant race to win. Chambers however did brilliantly aswell to set a new PB is excellent for him.

yes its good for him. I am now peeved the european meet promotors who are making a mountain out of a molehill and DC cant make a living in the sport. True his fault. But, it aint a criminal offense.

What Marion Jones did was as she lied in court.

just been reading Carls Myerscough wife was also on the same stuff as DC and she is off to the olympics.

Mind you she is competing for the US.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Toony™® yes its good for him. I am now peeved the european meet promotors who are making a mountain out of a molehill and DC cant make a living in the sport. True his fault. But, it aint a criminal offense. What Marion Jones did was as she lied in court. just been reading Carls Myerscough wife was also on the same stuff as DC and she is off to the olympics. Mind you she is competing for the US.

Why, are the US more lenient on this issue?

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Why, are the US more lenient on this issue?

I wouldn't say leniant - just they follow the rules and guidelines set by WADA and IOC. She served her time and now she is eligible. End of.

UK are the only country with a lifetime ban with first offence. If Dwain takes BOC to court... he is likely to win.

Carl Myerscough did appeal directly to BOC and failed in 2004... but he didn't take them to court over the issue.

BOC have set such high moral standards. But, the world governing bodies won't endorse it to that level. They will just applaud it.

This is where BOC and Uk atheletics bring the laws into disrepute.

[Toony™®]

Kim Collins was guilty of doping in 2002. But he got away with it as it was part of his asthma medication. Although, he did not mention it.

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Dwain Chambers has hinted he could retire after securing a silver medal in the World Indoor Championships. The controversial sprinter set a new personal best with a time of 6.54 seconds to finish behind Nigeria's Olusoji Fasuba in the 60m final. And as the British Olympic Association (BOA) still oppose his participation in Beijing this summer, he told BBC Sport: "There may not be a return after this. "If there's not a chance to go forward, I'll go and pursue a career elsewhere." Quitting athletics would cap a remarkable few months for the 29-year-old Londoner. Chambers arrived at the World Indoors under a cloud of controversy having been banned from the sport for two years for knowingly taking drugs in 2003. His inclusion in the Britain squad was derided by former and current members of the team, but few could deny his fantastic performance in Valencia as he shared the silver medal with former world 100m champion Kim Collins. However Chambers refused to rule out appealing against his lifetime Olympic ban imposed by the BOA. "I want to check my situation, check if it's worth appealing and if there's a chance of me winning then it's something we will consider," he said. "But for now I just want to celebrate with my team-mates and go and have some fun. I can't please everybody, but I got a medal for my country and I'm happy." UK Athletics reluctantly picked Chambers because of his previous drugs offence. UKA chief executive Niels de Vos says the organisation are still looking to ensure that in future it does not have to pick an athlete with a doping offence to their name. "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," said De Vos. "His success and his welcome public commitment to drug-free sport does not alter our commitment to review our policy towards athletes returning from a drugs ban, in line with the changing policies of others within the world of athletics."

I can understand if he does decide to quit. It would make this matter complicated and maybe even hurt him financially if it gets taken to court.

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Jamaican Usain Bolt became the second fastest man over 100 metres when he clocked 9.76 seconds in Kingston. The time was just two hundredths of a second slower than the world record 9.74 set last year by Asafa Powell. Bolt made a good start and left the field behind to come home ahead of American Darvis Patton in 10.08 and Antigua's Daniel Bailey in 10.12. "I know that with a bit more work I can break the world record," the world 200m silver medallist, 21, said. Fellow Jamaican Powell, who along with Tyson Gay will be Bolt's main rivals at the Beijing Olympics, missed the meeting with a chest injury. The following wind of 1.8m per second for Bolt's run was inside the legal limit of 2.0m/sec. Meanwhile, world 100 and 200m champion Gay ran a season's best 20.00secs to win in his first 200m race of the year.

First time im hearing of this guy BUT that is quick - The 100 metres is gonna be quite competitive with Powell and Gay

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Jamaica's Asafa Powell ran the second fastest 100m in history at the Athletissima Grand Prix on Tuesday. Powell clocked 9.72 seconds to equal the old world record set by compatriot Usain Bolt in New York last May. Bolt, who won the 200m in Lausanne in a time of 19.63, set the 100m world record of 9.69 in Beijing last month. The 26-year-old Powell, who held the world record between June 2005 and May 2008 with times of 9.77 and 9.74 seconds, finished fifth in Beijing. On Monday, the 25-year-old Powell said Bolt's thrilling run at the Olympics has inspired him to target a time of 9.59. "Two years ago I said to myself I could go 9.65 or faster but based on how Usain is running it's my aim now to go below 9.6," said Powell. "Usain can obviously run very fast but I'm not going to put him out of my reach." The 21-year-old Bolt stunned the sporting world two weeks ago when he knocked 0.05 seconds off Powell's previous mark despite easing up to celebrate before he crossed the line. "I'd say in the Olympic 100m it looked like Usain could have run 9.63, 9.65 maybe," said Powell. "I was shocked to see what he did in the race, it was ridiculous. "I can't imagine the times he's capable of running at the moment. He's the man to beat right now but before it was me and if I can break another world record then I'll be the one back in the spotlight." Powell, who also finished fifth at the 2004 Athens Olympics despite going into the Games as favourite, said he had not written off his hopes of winning an individual gold. "The 2012 London Games will be my last opportunity and Beijing was certainly my best chance but you never give up," he said. "I've got no idea why I'm always winning on the circuit but then finishing fifth at the Olympics. Maybe if it was just a one-off race without the qualifying rounds I would have done better. "Who knows? Maybe I'm not the guy for those big championships but just the guy to compete in the Grand Prix and Golden League meetings. It's just unfortunate."

[Oxy]

Asafa Powell will forever remain a 'choker' (A fast one at that)

Could be that he is motivated more for the 'meets' that pay the best?

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt believes he can significantly lower his world records for the 100m and 200m. Bolt clocked 9.69 seconds in the 100m in Beijing and then broke Michael Johnson's world record of 19.32 in the 200m final by lowering it to 19.30. Asked how fast he thought he could run 100m, Bolt said: "Perhaps 9.52 seconds, but I must make progress in different areas, especially at the start." Bolt's coach Glenn Mills is hopeful he can go under 19 seconds in the 200m. "I believe, based on what he did in Beijing, given similar conditions, if he runs the 200m at a time when he is fresh, we are hoping that we can get under the 19 seconds barrier," Mills said. "We are also hoping to take the 100m to somewhere where it will stay for a good while." In winning the 100m, Bolt significantly slowed down as he approached the finishing line and Norwegian physicist Hans Eriksen has estimated the Jamaican could have run 9.55 seconds if he had finished at full pace. Last week in the Journal of Experimental Biology, Stanford University biology professor Mark Denny concluded male sprinters could get the 100m record down to 9.48 and the 200m down to 18.63. As well as his 100m and 200m wins in Beijing, the 22-year-old Bolt led Jamaica's 4x100m sprint relay to Olympic victory in a record time of 37.10.

Under 19 seconds - that would be amazing to see. It would be tough to go under 19 seconds BUT Bolt is a freak and could definately do it

[Geordie Ahmed]

from bbc.co.uk/sport

Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will compete in a 150 metre street race in Manchester on 17 May. The race, which will be Bolt's first in Europe before the World Championships, will be shown on BBC television. British sprinters Mark Lewis-Francis and Simeon Williamson will be among those lining up against the 22-year-old from Jamaica. Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie will be bidding to regain his Bupa Great Manchester Run title on the same day. Bolt won gold in the men's 100m and 200m at the Beijing Olympic Games in world record times and also triumphed in the 4x100 relay. He will use the event partly as a tune-up for the World Championships in Berlin in August, said: "I am very excited to compete for my first time in Manchester, my first time in a 150m race and my first time in a street race. "I love competing in the UK, it is like my second home as I usually stay in London during the European racing season. "When I heard about the idea I thought it would be great fun and something new and exciting. Hopefully this event will be the start of many more similar events all over the world and inspire kids to take up athletics." A Manchester United fan, Bolt added that he had an ulterior motive for racing in the city. "I am also looking forward to going to Old Trafford to support my team," he said. "I've wanted to come to a match for a long time and am delighted to get the opportunity." The Manchester event will start at about 1600 BST, with the final taking place around 1800 BST and televised live as part of the BBC's Great Manchester Run highlights show on BBC Two. It will be similar to street sprint races held in Newcastle and Gateshead last summer, while there are also plans for an international "Ashes" match between England and Australia this summer. David Hart, communications director of event organisers Nova International, said: "In the past by definition, track and field athletics has taken place in a stadium or an indoor arena. "The feedback from Newcastle & Gateshead where we experimented with the 100m sprints, told us that spectators were thrilled at being so close to world class athletes they normally can only see from a distance in a stadium environment." Earlier in the day, marathon world record-holder Gebrselassie, 35, will hope to triumph in the Great Manchester Run, an event which he won in 2005 in a then-record time of 27 minutes 25 seconds. The 10k race, which starts at 1000 BST, has attracted a record field of 33,000 runners.

That sounds quite cool - i wasnt aware a street race was held in newcastle last year BUT i look forward to seeing this one - should be interesting

[Geordie Ahmed]

Triple Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt cruised to victory in the fastest ever time run over 150m to light up the Manchester street race on Sunday. Bolt roared home in 14.35 seconds, smashing the previous best recorded by Italian Pietro Mennea of 14.8 in 1983. Britain's Marlon Devonish finished a distant second in 15.07 secs. In the women's race American Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie clocked 16.54 secs to beat Olympic 400m gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu, who ran 17.10 secs. "It felt great. I am glad a little bit of sunshine came out, it made me feel 100% better," Ferguson-McKenzie told BBC Sport. "It was awesome and it was fun. The concept is awesome, the crowds were really excited and I loved it." Bolt, 22, was competing for the first time since being involved in a car crash last month. But the Jamaican 100m and 200m world record holder showed no ill-effects, cruising to victory in rain-soaked Manchester. Hundreds of fans lined the route in the narrow street bisecting the city to see the one-off race, and despite the poor weather they saw a stunning performance from Bolt, who ran the last 100m in 8.72 secs. "It's one more record to add to the tally isn't it?" Bolt told BBC Sport. "It's my first major competition of the season so I was just happy to come out and run injury-free and run a good time. "I am not in the best of shape, I still have a lot of work to do. I have been on and off in my training but I am getting there. I just want to put some hard work in." Devonish could only marvel at Bolt after being left trailing in the Jamaican's wake. "It was a great run by Usain, phenomenal. If he had maintained that pace (over 200m) he would have run a 19.3 (the world record time he ran in Beijing)," he said. "That shows you what shape he is in, especially in this kind of weather. He is in a league of his own."

This guy is just a freak - amazing race, it was a wet aswell

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/8039407.stm