Adam Gemili enjoyed winning relay gold in what was one of the most thrilling races at last year’s London world championships but he is more interested in individual honours at the Commonwealth Games.
Gemili was angry after being overlooked for a place in the 200m at London 2017 after he claims he was forced to contest the British trials despite asking for more time to recover from a hamstring injury. He still played a key part in the relay success, however, running a blistering second leg as they inflicted a surprise defeat on the USA and Jamaica, in Usain Bolt’s final race.
But Gemili, who on Sunday and Monday will compete in the 100m against Jamaica’s former world champion Yohan Blake among others, is keen to establish himself as a champion in his own right.
“After what happened last year it’s massively important to put down a marker,” the 24-year-old London-born sprinter said. “I’ve done OK individually in my career so far and last year was the first year I failed to do that. It was a tough time for me.
“People know me as an individual athlete performing on a big stage. Obviously winning the relay last year was fantastic but the relay is a bonus and athletes should always be looking to compete as an individual first.
“As soon as I knew I wasn’t running the 200m in London I made my peace with it and just tried to concentrate on running the relay. But I believe I’ve got myself into good shape this year and hopefully I can bounce back, challenge these guys and get myself in a medal position.”
Winning silver in the 100m at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games four years ago is still considered as one of his best career achievements but Gemili is aiming for gold in Australia, which would be a first senior global title individually.
“I’m not a young athlete any more. I’m not coming into championships to make up the numbers or fill the lanes. I’m here to win,” he said.
“As a junior you go to championships and, if you do well, it’s a bonus. You never really expect that but as a senior athlete and someone who has now been to a lot of major championships I do feel like an elder statesman in the team – especially as the Commonwealth Games team is very young. I’m making sacrifices every day. I don’t do that just to fill a lane and make someone else look good.”
