UEL student will not panic after 200m defeat

University of East London sports scholar Adam Gemili insists he is far from hitting the panic button after losing out on the 200m title at the Sainsbury’s British Championships in Birmingham.

Gemili clocked 20.6seconds in damp conditions to finish two hundredths behind GB teammate Danny Talbot, who sprang a surprise to claim the gold.

But if Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium did not see him at his best, Gemili has vowed to hit his peak in time for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

There are still four weeks left to prepare and Gemili, who stormed to a personal best of 19.98 at the World Championships last year to become just the second sub-20 Brit ever, is unfazed by the defeat.

“It’s not really a shock, I didn’t run the cleanest of bends and I felt a little bit of cramp,” he said.

“I don’t think I managed my hydration as well as I could have. But second place and in that weather 20.6 is good.

“I ran a 20.7 on Friday and that was a bit of a jog. So I know I’ve got a lot more to come, it’s just hitting it right on the day and I’ve got to be happy with that.

“Danny Talbot has been one of my best mates in the sport for the last year; he’s been unlucky making teams so for him to come and win it I’m so happy for him.

“I’ve got the Diamond League and I can get things better for there, then I can get things right for the Commonwealths and the Europeans if I’m selected.

“In the European Under-23s last year I came fourth in that final, and a couple of weeks later I make the World Championships final.

“So it happens with racing, it’s not as easy as just saying it – it comes down to hard work. But I’m happy for now.”

Gemili will not just have medals on his mind in Glasgow as time ticks down on recording 20.55 – the European Championships qualifying time.

That competition follows hot on the heels of the Commonwealths but the 20-year-old is convinced he’ll be ready.

“There’s always time, I’m doing Glasgow so hopefully I’ll get the time there and if not, I don’t know if they can take it from last year, but we’ll see. I’ll take it as it comes,” added Gemili.

“I’m running well in training but on the day I couldn’t hit it right, my body just wasn’t 100 per cent. The champs are in August, that’s when you’ve got to get it right.”

*Sainsbury’s is proud to support British Athletics through the Summer Series events and committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles.

For more information visitwww.sainsburys.co.uk/legacy.