Adam Gemili (second from left) won gold with Team GB at the 2017 World Athletics Championships. (Image: Getty)
Not many athletes can honestly say they could have reached the highest level in a completely different sport. But for the three-time Olympian, who beat Usain Bolt to glory in 2017, that’s exactly what could have happened in a parallel universe.
Adam Gemili, who announced his retirement from athletics on Monday, enjoyed an illustrious career at the highest level and represented Team GB for more than a decade. His best moment came nine years ago when he won gold in the 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Championships, beating a star-studded Jamaican team that included the iconic Bolt.
However, if things had been different when he was growing up, he might have played Premier League football instead.
Gemili entered Chelsea’s books as a young player, spending eight years in the academy system. He also played for Dagenham and Redbridge, and spent non-league time at Thurrock, making 12 appearances during a loan spell at Essex.
He was destined to be a successful soccer player until he discovered his talent for track and field, and ultimately chose to pursue a full-time sprinting career in 2012.
It was a decision he has no regrets about and his time at Chelsea has given him invaluable lessons that will enable him to shine on the athletics field.
“I loved playing for a club like Chelsea growing up,” Gemili told Express Sport. “Football has shaped me. It teaches you how to be a professional from a young age.
“It’s not just how good you are on the field, it’s how you act and carry yourself off the field, and those values are still very true today.
“It teaches you about discipline, the approach to competition and work ethic. I definitely wouldn’t be half the athlete I am if I hadn’t spent my childhood at a club like Chelsea.”
“It was a very unique experience to be able to learn from and meet the players on the practice field every day, and I was very grateful.
Gemili spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy system before choosing athletics (Image: Getty)
“I’d like to think I could have made it to the top, but you never know. I chose to pursue track and field, and I’m very happy with that decision.”
Gemili is currently using his expertise in both football and athletics to help improve the physical performance of the next generation of Chelsea players.
“I work with some of the academy players, the under-13s and under-14s, to teach them speed and proper movement and understand how to accelerate,” he explained.
“I really enjoy it and am planning to start my own athletic academy to help young soccer players and athletes how to make the right moves and give them that little bit of an edge.”
“You would say I’m something of a speed specialist. I have the best of both worlds, in fact I started my career in soccer as a young player and then switched to athletics. I understand both sports very well.”
“This is a very unique position, and if I can share that gift and give an extra percent or two to help kids succeed, I’m willing to do that.”
“There are many exciting things to look forward to. With the Adam Gemili Academy set to launch soon, I can’t wait to see what opportunities come next.”
Three-time Olympian returns to Stamford Bridge to help the next generation (Image: Getty)
Gemili is fondly remembered at Stamford Bridge and jumped at the chance to work with his former club.
“I went to speak to the academy in August and they asked if I would be interested in speaking to me and helping out once a week with some of the players,” he said.
“They are at the forefront of a lot of innovation and understand that there are ways to train, not just in soccer, but in other sports as well. They are always trying to learn.
“I’ve been working with them for quite a while and they’ve come in, these kids. You can see how talented they are. They’re football players, and if any of them wanted to transition into track and field, they could probably do it pretty easily.”
“If I can teach them skills and get them a feel for how to apply force and move properly, they can score an extra yard or two over their opponent.
“It makes a big difference on the football pitch during a 90-minute match, so I want to help in any way I can.”
