WELSH sprinter Christian Malcolm admitted it was inevitable that close friend Dwain Chambers would display extreme emotions after winning the 100m Olympic Trials in Birmingham.
Chambers used all his experience to claim his sixth national title at the Alexander Stadium, clocking 10.25 seconds to edge out teenager Adam Gemili, with James Dasaolu in third.
But he celebrated wildly after crossing the line, swearing in front of the television cameras.
The 34-year-old, who immediately apologised, has been cleared to run at London 2012 after his BOA lifetime ban for a drugs ban was overturned.
Victory kept his Olympic dreams alive, while Gemili is guaranteed a place in London if he wants it.
“That meant a lot to Dwain,” said Malcolm, who finished fifth in a time of 10.39secs. “I’ve been staying in London with him and know he’s been feeling the pressure.”
But Chambers is still not guaranteed a place in London. Only Gemili and Dasaolu have the ‘A’ qualifying standard of 10.18secs, with Chambers having until July 1 to run the time and confirm his place.
“Dwain has only done half the job done, because he still has to get that qualifying time at the European Championships in Helsinki,” added Malcolm.
Chambers said: “I’m just glad to have got that part out the way. That was the most scared I’ve been in a long time, I didn’t even think I was going to finish in the top three, that’s how bad it felt.
“I’d like to be selected outright. If there’s a way the selectors can look on my history I will gladly take that opportunity, but hopefully I can secure the qualifier in Helsinki.”
Gemili, the former Chelsea footballer who came from nowhere to become the second fastest man in Europe when he clocked 10.08secs this month, has insisted his main priority is next month’s world juniors in Barcelona, but now has the option of a home Games.
Malcolm, who races the 200m today, said: “I expected a bit more in the 100m and I always take this event seriously. But this was just a warm-up for the 200m. It is going to be tough to finish in the top two but I have been here before.”
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