Home   Kent   News   Article

Teenage Dartford sprinter Adam Gemili prepares for life-changing decision after breakthrough 100m performance

Dartford sprinter Adam Gemili
Dartford sprinter Adam Gemili

by Alex Hoad

A Dartford teenager faces a potentially life-changing decision this week after producing one of the most incredible sporting breakthroughs in years.

A week ago, Adam Gemili was a promising Junior sprinter with a 100m PB of 10.23 who was focusing on reaching the final of the World Junior Championships in Barcelona in July.

However, Gemili (pictured) burst onto the international athletics stage on Saturday, setting the second fastest time by a European this year.

The 18-year-old former Wentworth Primary School and Dartford Grammar School pupil's time of 10.08s to win the Sparkassen Gala in Regensburg, Germany, was also the second fastest ever by a British under-20.

It was the second PB he had set in the matter of a few hours after winning his heat in a spectacular 10.11.

Gemili said: "I was really excited when I saw the time. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.

"When I saw I'd ran 10.11 in the heat I jumped up and down and got told to calm down by the physios who were worried about me injuring myself."

Despite now being Britain's fastest man, Gemili says he could forgo the chance to compete in his home Olympics to focus on his development and attend the World Junior Championships.

He said: "My aim for this season was always to maybe qualify for the finals of the World Juniors and then perhaps think about a medal, but obviously to go to an Olympics, and in your own country especially, would be amazing.

"It's a very difficult situation. To go to the World Juniors there are trials, and there are trials for the Olympics which are only a week later. I'm not sure I can do both, I'll sit down and talk to my coach and family this week and make a decision."

What do you think about Gemili's breakthrough performance? Have your say below.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More