Two runners that have served bans intend to prove that they are able to compete successfully without steroid use. They are going to take part in the 2012 London Olympics. Justin Gatlin, an American runner, and Dwain Chambers, a British runner, want to manifest that they can win, competing clean.
They have already demonstrated that they are worthy to be called “Olympic champions”. While Justin Gatlin has won the gold medal, Dwain Chambers has obtained the bronze medal in the 60 meter sprint a1t the 2012 World Indoor Athletics Championship in Turkey.
Justin Gatlin was invited to professional sports again by the USA Track and Field and the US Olympic Committee. These 2 organizations noticed about their attitude to this sportsperson, supporting him.
As for Dwain Chambers, it is unclear yet whether he will be allowed to take part in the Olympics. This sprinter was not so supported, as Justin Gatlin was. Chambers received cold response from the British Olympic Association (BOA). His return to sports induced the decision of the BOA to suspend sportspersons that have been caught administering steroids from the Olympics forever.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has informed the BOA that this decision violated the WADA laws connected with steroids. The BOA decided to fight against WADA and to prevent participation of Dwain Chambers for the United Kingdom in the Olympics. The BOA has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
Thus, while Gatlin was supported by the US Olympic Committee, Chambers’ case was not pleasant.
Justin Gatlin has never acknowledged that he had administered steroids knowingly. But Chambers took the whole responsibility for usage of steroids.
The American sprinter tested positive for testosterone in April 2006. His world record was annulled after the results of testing had been pronounced. At the beginning this runner was suspended for 8 years. Later his ban was reduced to 4 years because of cooperation with the USADA.
Justin Gatlin didn’t admit that he had administered steroids knowingly. He demonized his masseuse for application of a testosterone cream during a massage.
On the contrary, Dwain Chambers acknowledged that he had taken steroids and taken the complete responsibility for the violation of steroid rules. He was sentenced to 2-year ban. This sprinter lost all medals he obtained since 2002.
Various attitudes to these runners have shown the difference between perceptions of athletes who have applied steroids by anti-doping officials in the USA and in the UK.