Chambers 'scared' of being caught

Chambers failed in his attempt to overturn his lifetime Olympic ban

Dwain Chambers has said he felt like there was a dark cloud hanging over him every time he competed when on drugs.

The 30-year-old sprinter served a two-year ban for testing positive for the steroid THG in 2003 and has been banned from competing in any future Olympics.

Chambers told ITV's This Morning: "I was very scared every time I raced. Doing wrong always catches up with you.

"The fact I went out and succeeded for my country was a proud moment, but I knew there was a dark cloud behind me."

The Londoner added that taking drugs had been a selfish act which had prevented more deserving athletes from competing.

"I've taken opportunities out of people's pockets and I've made their life very difficult," said the former European 100m champion.

I made decisions based on the little knowledge I had. I'm a perfect example of what not to do. Dwain Chambers

"I made a decision that was selfish and it had a huge impact on my life, on my career, and I haven't been the same since because of it."

Last week, Chambers failed in his attempt to secure an injunction against the British Olympic Association's by-law which prevents athletes who have failed drug tests from competing in the Olympics, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Chambers believed he would have "stood a strong chance" of winning a medal in Beijing had he succeeded in overturning his lifetime Games ban, but would instead spend the summer educating youngsters on the wrongs of taking drugs.

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Chambers, who has hopes of competing in London 2012, said: "I'll be watching the Olympics, looking at my competitors for next year, and spend the summer trying to educate young kids. I'm a father and I have to set a good example.

"I made decisions based on the little knowledge I had. I'm a perfect example of what not to do. I'm very sorry - I just want to be treated fairly and I'm just trying to do right by that.

"I'm blessed with speed and I want to make the most of it before it runs out. I failed to abide by the rules, and I got punished for it."