Dwain Chambers feels like he has already won Olympic gold after receiving his new Great Britain kit.
The controversial sprinter was on Sunday kitted out for London 2012 as he visited the Team GB base at Loughborough University.
It was an afternoon the opinion-dividing 34-year-old, who last competed at the Games in Sydney 12 years ago, thought would never come following his drugs shame.
Chambers infamously tested positive for THG in 2003 and although he returned to competition after a two-year suspension, the punishment continued as far as the Olympics were concerned.
With the British Olympic Association rigidly enforcing their policy of not selecting former drugs cheats, Beijing came and went as Chambers tried out alternative careers in rugby league and American football.
But the veteran 100 metres specialist refused to give up on the Games and a court ruling earlier this year forced the BOA into a climbdown.
Chambers said: "It has been a long time since Sydney and I have always said I never believed I would get here. Today has just been a dream come true.
"A goal was to get here, but that wasn't a goal open to me.
"Just to be in the atmosphere of the Games is fantastic. To be able to go out there and experience that Olympic atmosphere to me is like a gold medal to me.
"Wearing the kit and the whole process of kitting out has been fantastic and I am thoroughly looking forward to it."
Chambers has long regretted his past indiscretions but must continually justify his right to compete to the critics.
He knows he cannot escape his history - and openly talks about it - but wants to make the most of what is likely to be a final opportunity to perform on the highest stage.
The Belgrave Harrier, who is registered for the 100m and 4x100m relay said: "It has been well documented about my past and I am just looking forward to a bright future.
"I have had a really up-and-down season but I have got to put that behind me.
"I am really excited about it all. Above everything else I am really excited to be here.
"It is on home soil and that is great for the public to witness and experience."
Lord Colin Moynihan, the chairman of the BOA, was disappointed his organisation lost the court ruling against Chambers but has said all members of Team GB in London will be treated equally.
Chambers said: "That is nice to hear and it's very rewarding, it sets a good precedent.
"Everyone is going to go out there and bind as a team. They are going to put their past behind them and go out and support one another. That is what is important for these championships.
"To be here and be able to share it with the other team members is fantastic.
"Hopefully we can keep this camaraderie and lively spirit throughout the whole Games."
