Chambers (right) was in the GB relay team who won European gold in 2006

Controversial sprinter Dwain Chambers says he would stand down from Britain's relay team if his potential team-mates are against his inclusion.

A drug ban prevented him from appearing at the International meet in Glasgow, but he can compete at this year's World Indoors and World Championships.

Chambers won the 60m at the Birmingham Games on Saturday, but some British athletes have criticised his comeback.

"If people are going to have a problem with me I won't participate," he said.

The 30-year-old is in good form after clocking a personal best of 6.52 seconds in the semi-final at Birmingham's low-key event before winning the final in 6.54secs.

Fellow British sprinter Craig Pickering also impressed after winning the 60m at Glasgow in 6.57secs, and now faces a head-to-head with Chambers to qualify for the British team for the forthcoming European Indoor Championships in Turin in March.

606: DEBATE surely it is time to forgive and forget,Dwayne has paid his penance and he should be allowed to compete competitively in all competition misanthrope77

Both men were well inside the British qualifying standard of 6.65 seconds.

Pickering, an outspoken critic of Chambers' failed attempt to overturn his Olympic ban last year, said after his win on Saturday: "It's not my decision. If he's put in a relay team I have to deal with that."

Chambers is keen to be selected for the 4x100m relay, as well as the individual 100m, but added: "I want to run in the relay if the chance presents itself, but it will be difficult.

"The camaraderie needs to be established and I haven't had that opportunity.

"We need to have a team spirit - if there are egos and attitudes it's not going to work. It's got to be four guys working together."

After testing positive for the banned steroid THG in August 2003, Chambers completed his ban in 2005, but was prevented from competing in Glasgow because it was a competition organised by the EuroMeets Consortium.

Chambers admitted he had not heard back from any race promoters regarding his race requests and said: "It's the same as last year but I'm in a better place mentally.

Chambers is relishing a showdown with Olympic champion Usain Bolt

"I just plan out what races I can participate in. I had Birmingham on Saturday, the trials in Sheffield and European Indoors in Turin. Three races is all I've got and all I need.

"I'm having a lot more fun with my running. I don't have to worry about appealing for the Olympics. I have an easy three years to concentrate on my athletics."

With the prospect of competing against the double Olympic champion Usain Bolt at the World Championships, Chambers said: "I will definitely give him a run for his money.

"We've studied him and know what we are up against, especially after I trained with him in 2006. I want to qualify and once I'm in that final anything can happen.

"I'm optimistic, my season is going very well so far. My goal is to win medals for myself and my country, that's all I can ask for."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version