Chambers seeking redemption

Dwain Chambers wants the chance to prove he is now the "good guy" after his victory in the 60metres at the World Indoor trials in Sheffield handed UK Athletics the selection dilemma they had been desperate to avoid.

Chambers, who returned from a two-year ban in 2006 following his positive test for THG, was a clear winner in 6.56seconds and, assuming the selectors abide by their own criteria, they have little option than to pick the 29-year-old for the World Indoor Championships in Valencia next month after he clinched the automatic berth.

"It's down to the selectors," said Chambers. "I'm just letting my legs do the talking. I would like to go, I've run well enough."

UKA had tried to ban the athlete from the trials as they claimed he had retired, but had to reluctantly accept his entry under International Association of Athletics Federations rules and in the face of the threat of legal action.

Now the Belgrave Harrier just wants to be given the opportunity to compete next month and insists he can be a force for good.

"Why would they want to stop me when I am trying to do something for them? I'm not trying to work against them, I'm here to put British athletics back on the map in a positive way," he said.

"Yes, it's going through its ups and downs but I'm not here to create any nightmares. I'm here to put across a positive stance, help the youngsters be more inspired and do the best I can.

"How does that work? By putting one foot in front of the other and proving you don't need drugs to win. I'm not the bad guy, I'm trying to be the good guy now."

The importance of the victory was clear in the north Londoner's exuberant celebrations although he denied they were aimed at UKA chief executive Niels de Vos who has been vocal in his opposition.

"No, no," he continued. "I was just relieved to have crossed the line first," he said. "There was a little element of doubt as I wasn't sure what was going to happen but I just remained positive and my experience as an athlete and as a competitor brought me there."