Dwain Chambers insisted he was not distracted by his impending legal battle after cruising through his 100m heat in the Olympic trials at the Aviva National Championships, Birmingham.
Chambers, who was cheered by the crowd at the Alexander Stadium, eased through in 10.14secs as he launched the first part of his bid to qualify for the Games next month.
The 30-year-old will go to the High Court on Wednesday to obtain a temporary
injunction allowing him to run in Beijing next month should he qualify this weekend.
The Belgrave Harrier is challenging the British Olympic Association's by-law which bans all those who have incurred drug bans from representing Great Britain at future Games.
The full trial will be held next year but the BOA have vowed to vigorously defend their stance.
Chambers tested positive in August 2003 for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) and served a two-year ban before returning to the sport and was part of the gold medal-winning relay squad at the 2006 European Championships.
The world indoor 60m silver medallist was relieved to be able to focus on his racing and insisted he was not affected by what lay ahead in the courts.
Chambers said: "I try not to think about it, I've just got to let my legs do the talking.
"I've proved I'm in good shape but I've just got to hold it up here mentally because there is a lot riding on my performance here. What happens here will determine what will happen next week."
While the crowd may have been supportive, a number of athletes across other sports have voiced their disapproval, with some signing a petition opposing Chambers' legal action.
While acknowledging the crowd's response, Chambers knows he cannot dictate his immediate future.
"That (the support) means a lot, it helps you go out on the track and feel confident," he said.
"I'm sure I heard a few claps from you guys (the media) as well.
"But what will be will be with the judge and I just have to respect the decision."
The sprinter, though, insists the athletes around him have been very accepting.
"The ones I've associated with (here) are fine, they've been very supportive, they've been pretty much consistent from the start of the season and that helps."
When questioned about Craig Pickering – the only sprint rival to have signed the petition – Chambers said: "We just walked past each other."
European Under-23 champion Simeon Williamson was second fastest through in 10.31secs ahead of Pickering in 10.33.
Also through were world junior champion Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and British No 2 Tyrone Edgar.
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