Chambers makes leap from pariah to mentor

Columnist and Senior Features Writer

Saturday 23 March 2013

JUST a few years ago, it would have been inconceivable to think of Dwain Chambers as a role model for young athletes, but the Great Britain sprinter, given a two-year ban for doping offences in 2003, is sharing his expertise in Glasgow this weekend at a scottishathletics national coaching seminar at the Emirates Arena.

Dwain Chambers is in Glasgow for a coaching seminar. Picture: Getty Images

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Susan Swarbrick

It is Chambers' hope that his experiences will serve as a cautionary tale. "I've been there and done it. I've worn the T-shirt in all forms," he said. "If I can change just one individual's life then I know I'm making a difference.

"I did what I did and nine years down the line I'm still recovering from it and trying to rekindle my career. It [doping] doesn't work and in the long run it ruins the sport. I should be enough of a deterrent for anyone who thinks about doing it."It is Chambers' second visit to Glasgow this year. The 34-year-old won the 60 metres at the international match hosted by the new stadium in January. However, a back injury led to a below-par showing at European Indoor Championships, where he failed to qualify for the 100m final. "I was disappointed with the way I performed and in hindsight I shouldn't have gone," Chambers said. "I'm in good health now. I'm getting myself back up to good speed and ready for the summer. I'm looking forward to the World Championships."Chambers spoke highly of Perth's Eilidh Child, the 400m hurdler who looks to be shaping up for an epic battle with her English rival – and Great Britain team-mate – Perri Shakes-Drayton at the 2014 Commonwealth Games."It's going to be interesting," Chambers said. "They have grown up together as juniors and are now doing well as seniors. They are pulling each other along."It will be fantastic for them to go out and compete here in Glasgow next year. They are both young and ambitious. That bodes well because if youngsters see two greats competing at this level, it encourages them too."Chambers own presence at the Games still remains in doubt as, given his doping past, it is unclear whether he would be eligible. "I've no idea," he said. "All I can do is hopefully secure my place by performing. That's the only strength I have. "The political and technical side is something my manager is dealing with. We were successful last year [in overturning his lifetime ban] for the Olympic Games. It wasn't easy, but life isn't. "I want to try to keep things simple as possible so I have the best chance of competing if that is open to me."

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Chambers makes leap from pariah to mentor

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