Veteran sprinter Troy Douglas steamed into the semi-finals of the 100 metres at the European Athletic Championships in Munich, Germany, yesterday when he qualified in both the first and second round heats.

Bermudian Douglas, who competed for the Island in three Olympic Games but now represents the Netherlands having moved to that country more than four years ago, eased through his first round in 10.50 seconds and then stepped up a gear in the second round to clock 10.35.

The heat was won by Georgios Theodoridis of Greece in 10.25 followed by Britain's Jason Gardener in 10.28.

The top four advanced to today's semi-finals.

At 39 years of age, Douglas is believed to be the oldest sprinter at the championships.

He has been competing again in Europe this season after serving a two-year ban for the alleged use of the drug nandrolone - a charge which he repeatedly denied.

The suspension was handed down by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) after Douglas tested positive for the drug prior to the 1999 World Championships.

However, since returning to the track, the powerfully-built athlete has produced some astonishing results.

Late last year he was ranked number 22 in the world among 100 metre sprinters and earlier this year was voted third in a poll conducted by the Dutch magazine Sportsweek to determine that country's most popular sportsmen.

European Championship round-up, see Page 15