Dwain's World

After years of turmoil, Dwain Chambers is back as Britain's No.1 sprinter - and he is hoping 2010 will open a new chapter on his career.

For the 31-year-old, who competes for Belgrave Harriers, his recent athletic success and new-found scintillating form is all the more special after the trials and negative backlash he faced from the sport last decade.

Time though, is a healer and now 'Team Dwain', the public and even his former foe - the press - have noted his positive change since serving his two-year competition ban for taking performance-enhancing drugs.

Now, the former world 100m bronze medallist again sits as a hot contender for global glory.

Following his UK indoor Championship and world trials 60m victory in a then world-leading 6.50 in Sheffield in February, Chambers is in confident mood ahead of the biggest event of the season in Doha, Qatar from March 12-14.

"I never take anything for granted. Anything can happen in Championships," he said.

"I am in great shape physically and mentally and my aim is to convert that into a series of good performances.

"I had a calf strain coming out of the Worlds (last summer, where he finished sixth in the 100m), but recovered well and have been training hard. I am very happy with my preparation for this season. More importantly for me, the crowds were fantastic (in Sheffield); very supportive and it was a great day all round."

Coached by Daniel Plummer, support from those closest to him is one of the main reasons Chambers is back to his best - with the European indoor 60m record-holder receiving the unwavering love of his partner and two young sons:

"Leonie is my soul mate and rock," Chambers explained. "Rocco and Skye are my soul. My family mean everything to me.

Positive

"The feeling I had in Sheffield will stay with me, it really feels like a new chapter, new hope and belief. Very positive from the public, the competitors and the press."

Competing and leading arguably Britain's toughest athletics event, Chambers enjoys a rich camaraderie with his fellow rivals.

"The other guys have been very supportive and I always help them where I can," he said.

"Mark (Lewis-Francis) was really down after the trials and I gave him a few words of encouragement; he will be back. I

"I was also really touched by what Harry (Aikines Aryeetey) said after Sheffield in the press.

"There are a number of great British sprinters coming through and I have to be at my best to stay ahead of them."

Chambers is used to leading the way too, as he has spent the past few seasons as the undisputed king of British sprinting. Bouncing back from disappointment in 2008 due to an Olympic ban, he took the European indoor title and made the global outdoor championship final to mark his return to top-flight athletics with a bang.

"2009 was a hard season for me and a bit of roller coaster," Chambers explained. "Turin (European indoors) was a real high and the World Championships (in Berlin) were a disappointing low.

"In between, I had to make the most of the situation I was in and prepare as best possible - my preparation was not ideal."

Chambers, though, prefers to look past the frustration and forward to the future.

Together with Plummer, he runs 'Chambers of Sport'; an academy to inspire children to get involved in sport and maximise their personal potential:

"Chambers of Sport has two aims: firstly, to provide a support structure for elite athletes" he said.

"Being an athlete is a lonely and isolating experience and it is important to get support from people like myself who have experienced that feeling and been able to pull through. Secondly, it is for people who need a second chance in life, through the use of sport."

Chambers' own second chance on the track is intriguing, considering he is as quick as he was ten-years ago:

"I am more mature and mentally much stronger. Sprinting is as much mental as it is physical. I am totally focussed on my sprinting" Chambers said.

Silverware

"I am feeling really positive about my athletics and enjoying competing again. I readily accept that I have made my fair share of mistakes but 2010 is a new season with new goals. It's an exciting time for me."

Previously known for his bold predicaments - such as aiming for a world-record of 9.65 in 2003 - Chambers is now more realistic in his aspirations for 2010; a year in which he should take the European title.

"My race schedule for 2010 will be more organised, planned and structured around the major championships. I may do some 200's, but my main focus is the 100m," he revealed.

In addition to collecting more silverware this year, it is as clear as the shiny gold tooth at the top of his mouth that Chambers yearns for top international contests and global glory when the opportunity presents itself in 2011.

"I hope that I will get the chance to compete against the best sprinters in the world," Chambers explained.

"The athletics world has not yet seen the best of Dwain Chambers in sprinting terms; I hope that in 2010, I will be given the opportunity to put right the mistakes, be recognised for my athletics and perform well on the track. I still have a few more years left in the sport and want to look forward and make the most of it.

"I want to be recognised, accepted and remembered for my achievements on the track. It's a chapter I am starting to write this year."