Campbell’s spirits lifted after boost from Chambers

08 July 2002

Darren Campbell, whose place in the Commonwealth Games is still in doubt, has told the BBC that a message from his team mate and sprint rival Dwain Chambers has helped to lift his spirits.

Darren Campbell is looking to repeat Olympic success

He said: "Dwain was the first guy to text me after the Manchester trials, telling me to keep the head up. That kind of thing means a lot."

Campbell only managed fifth place in his 100m heats at the Aqua-Pura trials in Manchester last month and because of a virus was then forced to withdraw from the 200m. The selectors however awarded Campbell a discretionary third place provided he could prove his fitness before the Games start on 25 July.

Campbell told the BBC: "I'm happy to be given a place in the 200m and would like to thank the selectors for showing their confidence in me. I will concentrate on getting well enough to compete at my best for the Commonwealths."

In answer to all his doubters Campbell added:

"I'm not going to take anything away from Dwain - he's running extremely well- but I still want to be the best in the world. I listen to all the run-downs on the TV and radio at the moment and my name is not getting mentioned."

"That doesn't bother me. I've been written off on numerous occasions but, if you look at my record, nine out of ten times I deliver at major championships."

If Campbell performs well at the forthcoming Norwich Union Trials & AAA Championships on 13-14 July he could secure his place at the Games alongside the likes of Paula Radcliffe, Jonathan Edwards and Steve Backley.