Dwain Chambers capped his improbable comeback from a two-year doping ban with his first world title on Saturday after winning the 60 meters at the World Indoor Championships.
“That was probably the hardest six seconds of my life,” said Chambers, who clocked 6.48 seconds to beat American rival Mike Rodgers by .05 seconds. “But I’m just glad I stuck at it and did the best I could. I’m just grateful that I was able to do everyone proud. A lot can change and it has changed for the better.”
Things are certainly looking a bit different for the 30-year-old British sprinter than when he started his comeback in 2005. Chambers, who tested positive for a banned steroid in 2003, struggled with his performances and received a lukewarm reception from both fans and teammates.
He quit the sport in 2007, trying his hand at American football and rugby, but with little success. He returned to running just a year later, and went on to win at the European Indoor Championships last season.
Now, he has a gold from Doha as well.
Chambers looked the favourite all weekend, but said he and all the runners were tense at the start of the final. Chambers got out fast but had to fend off a surge from Rodgers in the end, who acknowledged that he tightened up with about five meters to go.
“As I much as I knew I would win, I knew these guys weren’t going to give it to me easy,” Chambers said.
Chambers crossed the line with a wide grin on his face and was embraced by Rodgers, who called the him a worthy winner.
“He earned it. He worked hard,” Rodgers said. “I ran against him the best I could. I thought I was going to get him but he got on. He ran a great race.”
