Gemili (pictured top), by posting the season's fastest performance by a British sprinter in Regensburg, Germany, sent a clear message to his rivals at the championships to be held in Barcelona from July 10 until 15: that he is a real contender for the gold medal with his Olympic Games A-standard qualifying time.

"When I crossed the line in 10.08 it was the most amazing feeling in the world," said the 18-year-old, a former Chelsea youth player who is now on the books of League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge.

"When I ran my heat and saw I'd ran 10.11 I jumped into the air while I was still slowing down; the physios told me to calm it down or else I'd end up injuring myself.

"So I was a bit calmer after the .08, but it was still the best feeling ever."

He added: "It feels really good to have run the A-standard, but more so to be a junior and have done the time.

"I hope it shows other juniors what can be done and not just to think only seniors can do that – juniors can compete at that level too."


However, with the United Kingdom Olympic trials and World Junior Championships within a week of each other, Gemili has a tough decision in deciding on the major priority.

Twelve years ago sprinter Lewis-Francis (pictured above) faced a similar decision and chose to miss the Sydney 2000 Olympics to concentrate on the World Junior Championships in Santiago, where he won the 100 metres title.

"If there is leeway to get us to the Olympics we'll consider it, but right now the aim is stick to going to the World Juniors," said coach Michael Afilaka.

"The management of our junior guys is something I've been really concerned about.

"We don't manage them very well and we do too much too soon."

Gemili, who won a silver medal at the European Junior Championships in Tallin last year, countered: "My focus so far has been the World Juniors but following this my coach and I will definitely be sitting down to discuss options.

"It's a great opportunity and a nice dilemma to have."

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