Dwain Chambers ready for Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing
Dwain Chambers is prepared for the possibility that his London 2012 hopes will be ended by a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing starting on Monday.
The 33-year-old is contesting a British Olympic Association by-law that excludes drugs cheats from selection.
"I've got my mind around the possibility of that happening," he said of the chance of his appeal failing.
"I have no idea what the outcome will be and that does make it difficult. It does bother me."
Chambers, who won bronze in the 60m in the world indoors championships in Turkey on Saturday, was banned for two years in 2003after being found guilty of taking anabolic steroid THG.
The World Anti-Doping Agency believes Chambers should be free to compete having served his suspension, while the BOA argues that its requirement for athletes to have clean drugs record is part of its selection criteria rather than an additional punishment.
BOA chairman Lord Moynihan has insisted Chambers and others who would become eligible would be welcomed back into contention for the London 2012 team if Cas rules against it.
Chambers, who has also been excluded from major domestic meetings on account of his positive test, says he has come to terms with his predicament and has been pleased by his Great Britain team-mates' reaction to him.
"I had to grow up. I had to review my situation and realise I was the culprit and the one making mistakes," he added.
"The athletes are very supportive. They support me and I support them. That's what's making it more enjoyable.
"If it goes our way, it would be fantastic. But I can't get too happy because I still have to qualify.
"Even though I'd become eligible, I'd still have to qualify. These youngsters are getting faster and I'm getting older, so it's becoming that much harder."
Chambers has received support from American sprinter Justin Gatlin who beat him to gold in Istanbul.
Former 100m Olympic champion Gatlin, who was banned for four years after testing for testosterone in April 2006, is free to compete in London 2012 as the United States team is open to athletes who have served drugs bans.
"He's one of the best runners in British history," said Gatlin.
"He came back after all his trials and tribulations and established himself as one of the best runners for the UK team.
"I think he has proven himself as a God-given talent and a good runner and to have him on that line in the Olympics would be a great show."
