Getting place in Britain sprint squad will be tough, says Gemili
BySportsbeat
Updated 05/05/2017 at 17:07 GMT
Adam Gemili believes simply getting a place in Britain's sprint squad for this year's World Athletics Championships in London will stand him in good stead for a medal.
Adam Gemili of Britain celebrates winning the men's 4 x 100 metres final during the European Athletics Championships at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich August 17, 2014. REUTERS/Phil Noble (SWITZERLAND - Tags: SPORT ATHLETICS)
Image credit: Eurosport
Gemili missed out on a bronze medal in the 200m at Rio 2016 by three thousandths of a second, finishing fourth behind Usain Bolt, Canada's Andre De Grasse and Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre.
There are two places available for the World Championships at July's British time trials, and Gemili faces stern competition from Jamaica-based duo Zharnel Hughes and Miguel Francis.
Other contenders include Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, the second fastest Briton ever over 200m, Olympic semi-finalist Danny Talbot and youngster Reece Prescod.
"Making that team - you'll know you are among the world's best," said Gemili.
"It is going to be really difficult. The depth is great and everyone is going to have to be in good shape for the trials because nothing is given."
Francis, 22, switched from Antigua and Barbuda to Britain in April, eligible after being born in Overseas Territory Montserrat.
And while Gemili acknowledges Francis' decision was out of the blue, he believes the additional competition in Britain's ranks is a good thing.
"For me it was slightly strange," said Gemili.
"I don't really know his personal reasons for changing, but if anything it is more difficult to make the team in Britain than it is in Antigua.
"It is cool. It makes it more competitive. I'm excited to meet him and get to know him. He will be a great addition to the British sprinters."
Sportsbeat 2017
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement