Double trial for Chambers as he carries on fight to run at the Beijing Olympics

The sprinter is seeking a High Court order next Wednesday to lift a lifetime ban on competing in Olympic events imposed by the British Olympic Association because he once used performance-enhancing drugs.  

But before that he must take first or second place in the 100metres at the Olympic trials in Birmingham at the weekend to be eligible to be chosen for the British team.

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Chambers leaves the High Court earlier on Wednesday

There was a brief hearing this morning at the High Court when the date was set for the application for an injunction which would suspend the BOA by-law until the hearing of a full trial on the issue next March.  

Asked about his chances outside the court today, Chambers said: 'I am confident about what I am capable of doing and the rest is up to the decision of the court - and I will abide by that decision.'  

He said he did find the court appearance a strain but said it would not affect his performance at the athletics trials.  

'I will be fine,' he said.  

Lord Moynihan, chairman of the BOA, who was a sports minister during the Thatcher years, said outside court that he welcomed the chance to put the BOA's case before the courts.  

It will be a test of the by-law which bans those who have used performance-enhancing drugs from the British team unless there are mitigating circumstances.  

Chambers, 30, knew that having served a two-year suspension for using the designer steroid tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), there was no chance in pursuing the mitigating circumstances route through the BOA.  

Instead, he went directly to the High Court to put his case before Mr Justice Mackay, who today agreed to hear his application for a temporary lifting of the ban so that he can compete in the Olympics.  

Jonathan Crystal, a specialist sports barrister, will try to convince the judge the BOA regulation is unfair and an unreasonable restraint on his client's livelihood.  

Referring to the athletics meeting, he told the judge today: 'There is a trial this weekend which may become a material factor.'  

Mr Justice Mackay replied: 'He will pass that with flying colours. If he doesn't, the case becomes academic.'  

Crystal said next Wednesday he would be trying to persuade the court to 'disapply the diseligibility provisions' under the BOA bylaw.  

'It is a high burden but we are confident we shall succeed in that task,' he said.  

He reminded the judge that the deadline for team selection was July 20.