London (AP):

The British Olympic Association is committed to defending its rule of a lifetime ban for any of its athletes previously banned for doping from competing at the Olympics despite Lashawn Merritt's court victory yesterday.

Merritt's victory in the Court of Arbitration for Sport has opened the way for cyclist David Millar and sprinter Dwain Chambers to challenge the BOA rule, which has been in place since 1992. But BOA chairman Colin Moynihan said the World Anti-Doping Agency supports the bylaw that bans athletes who have incurred a doping suspension from representing Britain at the games.

"It is tough but fair. There is no room for those who knowingly cheat for a place over someone who is clean," Moynihan said. "I will do everything in my power to ensure the eligibility bylaw remains in place."

Moynihan said 90 percent of British athletes support the stance as well as WADA, whose support he deemed "critical."

The BOA said it will be writing to the International Olympic Committee for extra support despite the ruling in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The decision has left open the possibility that a number of athletes could appeal Olympic bans, including Millar and Chambers. Millar was suspended for two years for using EPO and Chambers, a former European 100-meter champion, also served a two-year ban in the BALCO scandal.

While BOA rules allow for appeals, Moynihan said they would not back down on any case.

"Millar is unquestionably reformed but the eligibility bylaw is already in place," Moynihan said. "He is a reinstated athlete but he knew, like others, that he would be in breach of eligibility requirements. One mistake is different to those who knowingly take a cocktail of drugs to improve performance."