Ben Johnson, given a second chance by...

Ben Johnson, given a second chance by the Canadian government, predicted that he will win the 100-meter gold medal for his country at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

“I’ll win the gold medal for sure,” he said. “I have to prove to myself all over again that I can do it without drugs.”

Sports Minister Marcel Danis had announced earlier that Johnson’s lifetime ban from federal funding would remain in effect but that the government would leave the question of competitive eligibility to national sports federations.

Minutes after Danis’ announcement, Paul Dupre, president of Athletics Canada, said his organization was prepared to welcome Johnson back when the sprinter’s two-year suspension expires Sept. 24, provided he can meet team standards.