Controversial Chambers relishes big stage

Drug-tainted British sprinter Dwain Chambers said Saturday he cherished the chance to compete in the London Olympics "more than anything" after winning his 100m heat to progress to the semi-finals.

The 34-year-old Londoner finished fourth in the 100m at Sydney 2000 but he was caught using the designer steroid THG in 2003 and banned for two years.

Chambers was only cleared to compete in London in April after overturning a British Olympic Association bylaw that imposed a lifetime Games ban on drugs cheats, although he has been eligible to compete at world championships.

The sprinter received an enthusiastic welcome from the packed crowd in the Olympic stadium, timing 10.02sec as he won heat seven of the 100m.

"More than anything the welcome was 'wow, what's that'? The welcome was what gave me that extra bit, more than anything else," Chambers said.

"Obviously, the fear of getting through the heats comfortably is what's always nerve-wracking for everybody."

When asked whether he felt nervous about the reception he would receive, Chambers replied: "I was just more worried about my performance, coming this far and not doing it. But it worked out and I still have to just keep my mind on the present occasion and just go out there and perform well tomorrow."

Chambers, who won 100m bronze at the 1999 world championships, said it was special to be able to compete on athletics' biggest stage for the first time in 12 years.

"More than anything. I've learnt now at my age not to take things for granted," he said. "I've got kids. I just want to make sure I take the right steps and do the right things to set the right example."

"It was difficult because my last Olympic experience was 12 years ago and I can still remember it clearly to this day." he added.

"The main point is that I have become eligible to compete and I just wanted to make sure I've done my team, my friends, my family, the supporters proud.

"Me being eligible to get here is one thing, but performing is what is important."

Chambers said he was pleased with his time but faced the ultimate test in Sunday's semi-final, where he will be running in lane five, next to defending champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica.

"I've just put it together at the right time. I wasn't expecting to run that fast," said Chambers, who said the final was possible even though the semis would be tough.

When asked if he believed everyone in the field was a clean competitor, he said: "That's not on my mind. I just want to go out there and compete."

Chambers said reaching the final to determine the world's fastest man would be special.

"More than anything else it would just a great feeling to know that when you have had upsets in your life, that if you still remain focused and believe in yourself anything can happen."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/controversial-chambers-relishes-big-stage-165351987--oly.html

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