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London 2012 Olympics: Dartford sprinter Adam Gemili won't be changing his ways ahead of TeamGB appearance

Adam Gemili
Adam Gemili

Teenage sprint star Adam Gemili insists his meteoric rise to fame and qualifcation for the London 2012 Olympics will not change him.

The 18-year-old former Dartford Grammar School pupil (pictured) has been bathed in sporting limelight ever since he smashed his personal best with a 100m run of 10.08secs in Germany less than four weeks ago.

Last weekend he completed a fairytale story in Olympic year when he qualified fastest for the 100m final at the British Olympic trials and then secured a guaranteed spot in TeamGB for the London Games by finishing second in the final, just four seconds behind Dwain Chambers.

Despite speculation that he might turn down his place to concentrate on his long-standing aim of success at next month's World Junior Championships, which come just three weeks before the Olympic competition begins, Gemili revealed this week that he would indeed compete in Stratford.

Speaking after the Trials - which he described as 'unforgettable' - he admitted: "The last few weeks have been hectic. A lot of things have happened in a short space of time.

"I am trying to stay how I am, I am enjoying it, but I want to stay humble and just enjoy the experience. You never know how long it's going to last so it's important to enjoy it while it lasts... hopefully it will."

Gemili won his heat in 10.27 and his semi-final in 10.20 at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium but came under heavy pressure in the final before holding on to claim second place in a time of 10.29.

He said: "To be running alongide the top sprinters in the country was a fantastic experience. It felt good to be alongside them," before agreeing with a laugh: "and infront of them, yes. It was good for my confidence."

He added: "It was a very enjoyable weekend. It was great to have the support of such a wonderful crowd, and having friends and family there and support from my old schools too - I won't forget it.

"It is really nice to have seen some of the positive things that athletes have been saying on twitter and stuff. All the support is appreciated."

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