2nd October 2013

Teenage Kicks No Longer For Gemili

02 October 2013

Despite being his birthday, October 6 is just another day for Adam Gemili. He will spend time with his family and friends and will more than likely visit his favourite restaurant Nando’s.

But in actual fact this Sunday Adam will turn 20 and will no longer be a teenager. The second fastest Briton ever over 200m plays down his birthday somewhat.

“I never really make a big deal of it,” he says. “I will go and see some family and go out for a meal.  I never really do much for my birthday.

“For me, the most important thing is that you’re with people that you love and care about.”

Winter training has not begun just yet for the Blackheath & Bromley athlete and he is determined to enjoy the remainder of his time away from the track.

“I’ve been quite busy really. It gives me a chance to play and do other sports that I don’t get chance to do during the season while I’m training. I’ve played a bit of tennis and squash. 

“I started back at university last week so I’m cracking on with that too. It’s going to be cool to mix it with the season this year especially as the second year is going to be harder. The university have been great and very accommodating with helping me with my schedule.”

The thought of winter training makes many athletes want to hibernate until the summer, but not for Gemili.

“I’m really excited about getting back to training working on a couple of new things,” the European Under 23 100m champion confesses. 

“We’ve got the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships next year and maybe even the World Indoors. There’s a lot of competitions next year, it’s going to be great and I just want to do the winter training as quickly as possible as I love to compete.” 

Gemil’s GB & NI team mate Dwain Chambers recently climbed Mont Blanc for charity and Gemili has his eyes on tackling a marathon when the time comes to hanging up his spikes.

“One day after I’ve finished running I’d like to do a marathon,” he admits.

“Dwain Chambers has just climbed Mont Blanc. I’d love to do stuff like that for a good cause but maybe when I’m not competing and I’m not in my prime of athletics.”