Athletics: Gemili glides through in Barcelona

Published on 11/07/2012 02:17

Great Britain sprint sensation Adam Gemili provided another indication of his class with a dominant heat-winning performance in the World Junior Championships 100 metres in Barcelona.

The 18-year-old qualified with something to spare, his 10.37 seconds the equal fastest time along with that of Tyreek Hill of the United States. Gemili said: “I tried to execute the start and I think I did just that. I saved myself today, it’s really hot and I know I can go much faster. My technique has improved a lot lately and it is showing through my running. I am happy about where I am now.”

GB team captain Chijindu Ujah was second in his heat, behind another American in Aaron Ernest, in 10.48secs despite a poor start. James Gladman eased through in the 110m hurdles, opening up a dominant lead early on before easing up to finish in 13.69 secs. “I am in great shape, I hit the first five flights well, which was my race plan and that allowed me to have a little jog to the line,” he said.

Emelia Gorecka provided Britain’s first medal of the meet with third place in the 3,000m. Sophie McKinna qualified for the shot put final with her first throw, a mark of 15.80m breaking the qualifying standard by 10cm, but was beaten into sixth place in the final.