Dwain Chambers qualified on the track when he came infirst in the 100 meters at the British Olympic trials earlier thismonth but he still had another hurdle to clear: the courts.
Becauseof a two-year ban for testing positive for a banned steroid in 2003,Chambers' qualification was not automatic. The British OlympicAssociation has a rule that imposes a lifetime ban for drug use.
Chambers argued he had been punished and that the lifetime ban was a unfair.
Buta High Court judge refused to temporarily suspend the lifetime banbefore a full hearing can be held in March of next year sayingChambers' right to work was not a good enough reason to overturn theban.
The judge also said Chambers' delay in bringing his casebefore the courts did not help him. British selectors have to nametheir final squad for next month's Games in Beijing by Sunday at thevery latest.
British Olympic Association chairman ColinMoynihan defended the lifetime ban saying it has been in place for 16years and is recognized and understood by all Olympic athletes.
"It'sa matter of regret that Dwain Chambers, an athlete with such undoubtedtalent and a winner of the European Youth Olympic festival 100 metersas a young man, should by his own actions put himself out of therunning to shine on the Olympic stage in Beijing," Moynihan said, "however on behalf of the athletes, the BOA will continue to send apowerful and important message that nobody found guilty of serious drugcheating offenses should have the honor of wearing team GB vests at theOlympic games."
Chambers left the court without making acomment. After his positive test he was stripped of the 100 meter goldmedal he won at the European Championship in 2002. The gold medal heand his 4x100 meters relay teammates won was also taken away.
Hehas also had unsuccessful attempts at American football and rugby butit's on the track that he has excelled. The Olympic ban will not affecthis participation in sponsored competitions but because of his drugtaking history, some organizers have said they would not invite him.