Dwain Chambers admitted he came very close to giving up on his dream of returning to sprinting’s top table before claiming 60m gold at the World Indoor Championships in Doha.

The 31-year-old unsuccessfully attempted to reinvent himself in American football and rugby league following his two-year ban for drug abuse in 2003.

Chambers returned seriously to athletics in 2008 and - despite opposition to his place in the GB team – claimed silver at the World indoors in Valencia.

But the 2009 European Indoor champion insists it wasn’t until he clocked 6.48seconds to top the podium at the Aspire Dome that he finally clawed his way back into the sport’s inner circle.

“There was no way I thought I would be able to do this when I was doing things like rugby and football,” said Chambers, who collected a $40,000 cheque for his efforts – 25 per cent of which will go to paying off money won while on drugs.

“A lot can change you know, and it has, for the better.

“I was even throwing the bottle up in the air trying to get my football skills but it wasn’t working, so this is where I’m at. I’m just a happy man.

“I’m pleased to be here. The crowd and other athletes have been very supportive so that helps me to go out there and do my job. I’ve had great support from the UK staff and everybody and I’m just grateful.

“Winning was more important but obviously the prize money is going to be a great bonus – everyone has to earn a living and I have to earn mine.

“But I’m earning a living now so I’m able to relax a bit more and get on with the summer.”

Chambers sauntered through the opening two rounds before producing the fastest time in the world this year to hold off American Michael Rodgers and Antigua’s Daniel Bailey in third.

Yet despite carrying off the first major title of the year in style, the British number one admitted he has work to do to repeat the trick over 100m at the European Championships in July.

"It was not an easy competition from beginning to end," added Chambers.

"I was a little bit slower out of the blocks and that is why I was not as relaxed as I expected.

"I am not used to having two so challenging guys around me. It was the longest six-and-a-half seconds of my life.

“But I'm very happy with the win as it was one of my main goals ahead of the Europeans in Barcelona, which is my main objective this year.

"Now I will enjoy this moment for a while and continue to work hard. I'm so grateful to be here and participate in this fantastic arena.

"But I still have to concentrate on my 100m performance to become the fastest man in Europe.”

* Aviva has been proud to have helped and supported the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships since 1999. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information