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Czech union leaders against raising mandatory retirement age ... Dwain Chambers has been included in Great Britain's squad for next month's World Indoor Championships.
The sprinter, who was banned from athletics for two years after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug THG, will run over 60m in Spain.
UK Athletics had opposed the selection of Chambers for the three-day event in Valencia because of his doping past.
But the 29-year-old Londoner won last weekend's trials, giving team bosses little choice but to pick him.
However, in a strongly worded statement, selectors made it clear they had chosen Chambers under duress.
"The committee was unanimous in its desire not to select Dwain," read the statement.
"Taking him to the World Indoors deprives young, upwardly mobile, committed athletes of this key development opportunity.
"Our World Class Performance Programme is focused on achievement at Olympic and World level.
"On this basis, it is extremely frustrating to leave young athletes at home; eligible for Beijing, in possession of the qualifying standard and committed to ongoing participation in a drug-free sport.
"In contrast, we have to take an individual whose sudden return, especially when considered against his previous actions and comments, suggests that he may be using the whole process for his own ends.
"Unfortunately, the committee felt that the selection criteria pertaining to the winner of the trials, coupled with the manner of Dwain's performance, left them no room to take any other decision.
"We wish all the selected athletes well at the event but will certainly explore ways in which future selections can be made to match the true 'spirit' of our sport."
Chambers had already represented Britain following his drugs ban, winning 4x100m relay gold at the European Championships in 2006.
He looked to have turned his back on athletics when he tried to forge a career in American football.
But he caught everyone by surprise, in particular UKA, by making a return to the track last month, although he remains ineligible for the Olympics in Beijing later this year because of his doping suspension.
Reacting to his GB call-up, Chambers's agent, Nick Collins, said: "He is absolutely delighted and wants to do the best for his country."
UKA chief executive Niels de Vos initially banned Chambers from competing in last weekend's trials for the World Indoor Championships, claiming he must undergo an extensive period of drug testing.
But the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) overruled this decision and UKA reluctantly allowed Chambers to compete in Sheffield.
De Vos, however, is determined to amend UKA's constitution and prevent any athlete who has committed an anti-doping violation from competing in British colours.
Chambers is one of 21 athletes named in UKA's first wave of selections for the World Indoor Championships, which run from 7-9 March.
A second wave of athletes to make up the full team will be announced on 26 February.
Team:
Men:
60m: Dwain Chambers (Belgrave Harriers). 400m: Richard Buck (City of York), Steve Green (Newham & Essex Beagles). 800m: Richard Hill (Notts AC). 1500m: James McIlroy (WSE Hounslow). 60mH: Allan Scott (Shaftesbury Barnet). High Jump: Samson Oni (Belgrave Harriers). Pole Vault: Steve Lewis (Newham & Essex Beagles). Long Jump: Chris Tomlinson (Newham & Essex Beagles). Triple Jump: Phillips Idowu (Belgrave Harriers). Shot Put: Carl Myerscough (Blackpool). 4x400m Relay: Buck, Green.
Women:
60m: Laura Turner (Harrow AC), Jeanette Kwakye (Woodford Green & Essex Ladies). 800m: Jenny Meadows (Wigan & District Harriers), Marilyn Okoro (Shaftesbury Barnet). 1500m: Jemma Simpson (Newquay & Par), Susan Scott (City of Glasgow). 3000m: Helen Clitheroe (Preston Harriers). 60mH: Sarah Claxton (Woodford Green & Essex Ladies). Pole Vault: Kate Dennison (Sale Harriers Manchester). Pentathlon: Kelly Sotherton (Birchfield Harriers).
(BBC)
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