• Athletics

Chambers fails to secure London spot

ESPN staff
August 3, 2011
Dwain Chambers won the UK 100m title © Getty Images
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Dwain Chambers has been denied a place in the London Diamond League meeting on Friday.

Chambers, who won the UK 100 metres title last weekend to earn a place on the British team for the World Championships, will not be allowed to compete after UK Athletics refused to alter their stance on not inviting athletes if they damage the integrity of the competition.

Chambers, who was banned for two years after testing positive for a banned substance, continues to serve a lifelong Olympic ban (imposed by the British Olympic Association), but he is permitted to compete at the World Championships in Daegu later this month.

Other convicted drugs cheats, such as Justin Gatlin, Steve Mullins and LaShawn Merritt have all appeared on the Diamond League circuit this season, but UKA have stood firm despite Chambers' manager Siza Agha sending a 15-page document asking them to reconsider their policy.

"UKA's position against Dwain leaves no room for redemption," Agha told the Times. "Is that the message we want to send to young people? Dwain is unlikely to race now until he goes to the World Championships which is not the best preparation for the British 100m champion."

Meanwhile Jodie Williams will make her Diamond League debut over 200m at Crystal Palace. Following her double gold at the European Junior Championships last month, the 17-year-old will go head-to-head with Shalonda Solomon - the fastest woman in the world over the distance this year.

"That kind of company will only push me to run faster," Williams said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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