MX23RW : Friday, December 13 17:29:05| >> :600:118037363:118037363:

Adam Gemili wants to avoid self-isolation at Olympics

Adam Gemili wants to avoid self-isolation at Olympics
© Reuters
The GB squad had to self-isolate after the European Indoor Championships following a coronavirus outbreak.

Adam Gemili has warned that the fallout from the European Indoor Championships must serve as a wake-up call to ensure any coronavirus heartbreak at the Olympics is avoided.

The Great Britain squad were forced to self-isolate following a Covid-19 outbreak in the team following the championships earlier this month.

At least nine athletes and members of staff tested positive and Gemili, who did not compete in Poland, was concerned to hear claims other countries did not adhere to the strict guidelines.

IAAF World Athletics Championships 2019 – Day Four – Khalifa International Stadium
Great Britain's Adam Gemili is on the UK Athletics Athletes' Commission (Mike Egerton/PA)

Sprinter Gemili was elected to the UK Athletics Athletes' Commission in October and they will speak about what happened in Torun during a meeting on Saturday.

He told the PA news agency: "It's ridiculous the number of athletes who are having to isolate because of the way things were managed out there.

"What is a shame is apparently there were a lot of violations, not from the British team but from other countries.

"Leading into the summer it has to be understood by all nations who are competing – if we are going to be together we have to follow the rules otherwise it's only going to be the athletes who suffer.

"It'll be heartbreaking if you get to the Olympics and get a message saying you have to isolate and you were competing the next day.

Adam Gemili believes athletes need to take responsibility during the pandemic (Muller)

"That is an athlete's worst nightmare so we have to get this right so when you are at a championships you have to be extra careful.

"As a commission we are trying to talk to British Athletics about that and we have a call on Saturday about it to make sure British athletes get the best opportunity to compete and are as safe as possible."

But Gemili, a 4x100m world and European champion, is sure the rearranged Olympics in Tokyo this summer will be managed properly.

"I am confident. They have to be on it, I know they will be. In and out of the village, compete, leave," said the 27-year-old. "You'll see me at the track and then I'll be in my room under my covers.

"Hopefully by then a lot more people will be vaccinated and it'll be safer."

Gemili is now back at his Florida training base – after spending half of last year in the UK – as he aims to avoid the coronavirus in America.

"I'm able to train and see my coach and training group every day, here they are getting on with it," said Gemili, a Muller Rice ambassador.

"I know how hard it is in the UK, my family and girlfriend are stuck at home so I don't want to put it in people's faces on social media to say I'm out and about.

"You have to be respectful and the UK right now is still in lockdown. I feel quite responsible to show I'm not out and about every day.

"I'm trying to keep myself safe, I'm not silly, I know how important the summer is and I cannot afford to risk anything."

:: Adam Gemili is a Muller Rice Ambassador. Muller Rice is low in fat, hunger filling goodness and a source of calcium which can be eaten hot and cold.

ID:439724: cacheID:439724:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7118:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!