Commonwealth Games 2022: Dartford’s Adam Gemili crashes out of the 200m semi-finals in Birmingham

Adam Gemili has one ambition in mind – rediscovering the smile that was his trademark.

It was that cheeky grin that endeared him to so many when he came out of nowhere to qualify for the London Olympics as a teenager in the same year he committed to athletics for good after playing football professionally.

A decade on, Gemili is a veteran of the athletics scene and is in the middle of the toughest year of his career.

Between the World Championships in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Gemili split with American coach Rana Reider, who is under investigation for multiple claims of sexual misconduct.

Physically Gemili believes he is in good shape, but the mental toll was evident as he crashed out in the semi-finals of the 200m, running 20.97, exactly a second slower than his personal best.

Gemili will remain in Birmingham and run in the 4x100m relay if required, but admits he needs to find happiness again to get his career back on track.

The former Dartford College student said: “I know there have been issues with me this year, it has affected me. Physically I’m okay but there has been a lot which has affected my training and the mental side for me.

“That’s something which has been new this season and I’ve really struggled to get that right. I didn’t know how much of a difference it does really make. It’s for me to come home and find some happiness again.

“Starting by spending a lot more time at home. Moving home. I’ve been away from home since I was 19 years old when I moved away. I am 28 now and I haven’t spent a lot of time with people around me. Maybe one or two months a year.

“Start with surrounding myself with people I love and who love me. Hopefully that happiness does come, and you see the old Adam