Former Olympic Sprinter Adam Gemili Helps Chelsea's Young Players Improve Their Speed

When asked about the highlight of his career, Adam Gemili doesn't mention his European gold medal in the 200 meters, but instead recalls his role in the British team's relay victory at the 2017 World Championships in London. This is no surprise, given his passion for team sports. "If I could relive one night, it would be that one," Gemili tells Sky Sports. "I'm grateful to have been part of that historic moment. I have videos of it from my parents' phone, and it was incredible. It was the last race, and it was Usain Bolt's last race." Gemili explains that the odds were against them, but they worked together to achieve something special. "We weren't necessarily the four fastest athletes, but together, we were the fastest team in that stadium. The Jamaicans and Americans were strong contenders, but we came together to defend our home turf. The team environment is what I thrive in, and it's what I've grown up with." Before becoming one of the country's top sprinters, Gemili's first love was football. He was part of Chelsea's academy from 2001 to 2008 and still dreamed of a football career when he was selected for the 2012 Olympics at the age of 18. "I was planning to return to football, but when I was chosen for the Olympics, it was a turning point. I realized that this was where I was meant to be," Gemili still talks about football with a sense of nostalgia, like any academy prospect who didn't quite make it. "I grew up playing football, and it was all I knew. It didn't work out, but my dream was to play for England or hear the Champions League music. Being a ball boy at Chelsea used to give me goosebumps." He credits his time at Chelsea with teaching him discipline and professionalism. "They taught me how to handle pressure, how to be a professional, and how to do the right things. I probably wouldn't be where I am today without my experience at a club like Chelsea." Now, Gemili is back at Chelsea, working with the academy players to improve their speed and acceleration. Having announced his retirement from athletics at 32, he's excited to launch his own 'speed academy' and is already working with 13- and 14-year-old players. "I've been working with the academy boys since September, teaching them speed and how to accelerate properly. It's different with footballers because it needs to be game-specific," Gemili is uniquely qualified to help these players, having competed at a high level in both athletics and football. "I'm one of the few lucky ones who have done both sports at a high level, and I can share my knowledge to give them the best chance to succeed." He believes that speed and power can be trained and improved. "The improvements I've seen in the players' numbers and force production are incredible. It's not just the quick ones who benefit; the ones who weren't quick have seen even more improvement." With football becoming increasingly fast-paced, speed is more important than ever. "They might not be Olympic-fast, but they want to be as quick as they can be. They all want to learn, and they realize that extra few per cent can be an advantage." Gemili is helping senior players as well, including running a pre-season camp last summer. "We had a big intake, including Manchester City prospect Ryan McAidoo and Republic of Ireland international Aaron Connolly. It's easy to help senior players if they're open-minded." Injuries can be prevented with proper mechanics and recovery, and Gemili believes that sprinting is one of the best ways to condition. "Footballers realize their careers are short, and they want to improve to get the most out of it." As for Gemili, his career as an elite athlete is over, but he's still young and ready for new challenges. "I'm closing that chapter, and the next journey awaits. My goal is to help shape the futures of these young players through my 'speed academy.' Chelsea is one of the best academies around, and it's a privilege to be part of it. I hope I can continue to make a difference." After achieving glory with his gold medal, Gemili is still happiest when part of a team.