Former Olympic Sprinter Adam Gemili Helps Chelsea's Youngsters 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 might seem surprising, but for Gemili, being part of a team brings out the best in him. "If I could relive one night, it would be that one," he shares with Sky Sports. "I'm grateful to have been a part of that history. I have the videos from my parents' phone, and it was incredible. It was the last race, and it was Usain Bolt's last race." Gemili explains that despite the odds being against them, the team's collective effort led to their success. "We weren't necessarily the four fastest athletes, but together, we were the fastest in that stadium. There were the Jamaicans, and the Americans had won gold and silver in the 100 meters. Athletics is an individual sport, but in a relay, the team element can come together, and that's what we did. We defended our home turf, and that team environment is what I'm good at, what I've grown up doing." 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 18. "I was always planning to go back to football, but when that happened, it was like, nope, this is where I am now." For all his athletic achievements, Gemili still talks about football with a sense of longing. "I grew up playing football, and that's all I knew. It just never worked out. My dream was to play for England or at least hear the Champions League music. When we were ball boys at Chelsea, it used to give me goosebumps." Gemili credits his time at Chelsea with teaching him discipline. "They taught me how to be professional, how to do the right things, and how to handle pressure. I probably wouldn't be where I am today without having grown up at a club like that." Now, at 32, Gemili has announced his retirement from athletics and is excited to launch his own 'speed academy.' He's already working with 13- and 14-year-olds at his former club, Chelsea. "I've been working with the academy boys since September or October, teaching them speed and how to accelerate properly. You're teaching them how it should feel. It's different with footballers because it has to be game-specific," says Gemili. Gemili is uniquely positioned to help these players, having competed at a high level in two sports. "I'm one of the few lucky enough to have done two sports at a very high level and can understand the crossover. I can share some of that knowledge to give them the best chance to succeed," he explains. Gemili believes that speed and power can be trained. "The improvements these guys have seen in their numbers, their force production, it's incredible. I have loads of numbers to back it up. We tested them two or three months later, and the results were beyond incredible. Massive improvements. It's not just the quick ones; the ones who weren't quick have seen even more improvement really." With football becoming faster, speed is more important than ever. "They might not be Olympic-fast, but the aim is to be as quick as they can be. They all want to learn. I think they realize that extra few percent can be an advantage." Gemili is helping senior players as well as younger ones. Last summer, he ran a pre-season camp to help get a group of players fit. "We had quite a big intake," he reveals. As well as Manchester City prospect Ryan McAidoo, there was Aaron Connolly, the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international. "It's very easy to help senior players too. It's down to the open-mindedness of the player," says Gemili. "Injuries can be down to bad mechanics or bad recovery," he explains. "I'm biased, of course, but in my opinion, nothing really conditions like sprinting. Footballers realize that their careers are short, and they want to improve to get everything they can out of it." As for Gemili, his career as an elite athlete is over, but he's still a young man. "I just feel like I'm ready for new challenges, new adventures. I'm closing that chapter. The next journey awaits." His aim through his 'speed academy' is for that to include football. "Chelsea are one of the best academies around, always at the forefront of innovation, and it's a real privilege and honor to help shape these guys' futures. I hope I can continue to do that." After the glory of gold, Gemili is still happiest when part of a team.