Adam Gemili, former European champion, has retired from athletics at the age of 32.
He announced his retirement on his Instagram page, saying, “It’s hard to put into words what an incredible journey it’s been.” Gemili added, “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.”
From Football to Olympic Sprinting
Gemili’s sporting career began in football. He was a youth footballer at Chelsea and was also on the books at then League Two Dagenham & Redbridge. He then committed to sprinting.
Gemili made the Team GB squad for the Olympics in his home city at London 2012. At London 2012, Gemili reached the semi-finals of the 100m.
Championship Medals and Near Misses
Gemili went on to win relay medals at three World Championships. He was the 2014 European champion over 200m and took silver in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow that summer.
Gemili narrowly missed out on more medals, finishing fourth in the 200m at the Rio 2016 Olympics, just 0.003 seconds shy of bronze, before another fourth place at the Doha 2019 World Athletics Championships.
Record-Breaking Speed
Gemili was the second-fastest British junior of all time when he ran 100m in 10.08 seconds in 2012.
- Gemili is one of only three British male sprinters to have run under 10 seconds in the 100m.
- He also ran under 20 seconds in the 200m.
- His personal bests are 9.97 seconds and 19.97 seconds respectively.
- The other two British male sprinters to achieve this are Zharnel Hughes and Linford Christie.
Gemili’s athletics journey has come to an end, marking the close of a career that saw him transition from football to becoming a decorated sprinter on the international stage.