'Never give up' says sprinter back on track after a two year drug ban (From Enfield Independent)

'Never give up' says sprinter back on track after a two year drug ban

2:49pm Thursday 8th October 2009 in News By Sarah Cosgrove

FORMER European champion sprinter Dwain Chambers took a break from training at Lee Valley Athletics Centre in Picketts Lock to meet a competition winner.

The competition, ran by You Have A Choice, asked young people from schools across London to say where they had overcome hurdles to achieve success.

The lucky winner was Kenny Eshinlokun from Mitcham who met the 29-year-old Olympian yesterday and got a signed copy of his book yesterday.

Mother and PA Natalie Mayhew, 31, who runs You Have A Choice said Mr Chambers was a good role model for youngsters because he had to overcome several hurdles in his career.

He was a very promising sprinter for many years but never quite achieved what others' saw as his potential, despite competing in the Olympics and winning the European 100m title.

In 2003 he tested positive for the banned steroid THG and was banned from athletics for two years, and the Olympics for life.

But he got back on his feet and won gold in the sprint relay in the 2006 European Olympics.

She said: “It was because of Dwain's history that we thought he would be good for this project.

“I wanted to inspire youngsters to never give up.”

Mr Chambers said: “Everyone has obstacles when trying to reach their dream. It’s how you deal with the obstacles which is the key. You must never give up and you must carry on to reach your dream.”

Mr Chambers said the people around him helped him overcome his problems.

“I have some very supportive people in my life , especially my partner Leonie. She is my partner and best friend. Christian Malcolm is also a very close friend of mine and has stuck by me all the way.”