Adam Gemili's Athletic Career and Retirement
Adam Gemili, once the second-fastest British junior in history with a 100m time of 10.08 seconds set in 2012, has officially retired from athletics. The former European 200m champion has transitioned to a new role as a part-time speed coach at Premier League club Chelsea.
Throughout his career, Gemili reached the semi-finals of the 100m at the London Olympics and earned relay medals at three World Championships. In 2014, he claimed the European 200m title and secured a silver medal in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow that same year.
Gemili's Announcement and Reflections
On his Instagram page, Gemili expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey:
"It's hard to put into words what an incredible journey it's been.
Thank you for all the support, love, and belief you've shown me throughout my career.
From a baby-faced Adam at London 2012 to a slightly more grey-haired version in 2025. I hope I've made you proud."
Background and New Role at Chelsea
At 32 years old, Gemili's sporting background includes youth football at Chelsea and a stint with League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge before dedicating himself fully to sprinting. He was part of the Team GB squad for the London 2012 Olympics, held in his hometown.
Confirming his new position with Chelsea, Gemili told Sky Sports:
"Knowledge is power and if I'm able to teach these kids everything that I know, I can die happy.
I hope even just one or two of them can feel some sort of inspiration from my story, because football is very tough sport - like, I never planned to become an athlete.
For a lot of these guys they won't make it to the top level, they won't make it to the top of the Premier League.
But if I can teach them the skills that I've got, one or two of them might even come into athletics, you never really know."
Career Highlights and Records
Gemili narrowly missed additional podium finishes, placing fourth in the 200m at the Rio 2016 Olympics by a margin of just 0.003 seconds behind the bronze medalist. He also finished fourth at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.
Alongside fellow British sprinters Zharnel Hughes and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, Gemili is one of only three British male athletes to have recorded sub-10 second times in the 100m and sub-20 second times in the 200m. His personal bests stand at 9.97 seconds for the 100m and 19.97 seconds for the 200m.
