Sports Scholar Adam strikes silver

The University of East London have paid tribute to two of their students following their exploits in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

UEL Sports Scholar Adam Gemili raced to a superb silver medal in the men’s 100m final at the Games on Monday night.

The 20-year-old Gemili, a semi-finalist at the London 2012 Olympics, clocked 10.10seconds to finish behind Jamaican rival Kemar Bailey-Cole and claim his first senior medal.

And he admitted it would be a moment he would forever cherish, saying: “That’s something I’m never going to forget in my life.

“It’s not about times, it’s about position. My first time representing England – I’m so happy. The times will eventually come. This is just a stepping stone for the European Championships and then the Olympics in Rio.”

Gemili, a former Dagenham & Redbridge footballer, made a fast start out of the blocks at Hampden Park in front of a noisy 44,000 crowd.

But Bailey-Cole, 22, came through to claim gold in 10.00 as fellow Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade took bronze.

UEL’s Bianca Williams was sixth in the women’s 100m final, as Newham & Essex Beagles Asha Philip finished fourth.

Professor John Joughin, UEL’s vice-chancellor, said, “I’m so proud of the achievements of all of our students who are competing at the Commonwealth Games. Adam Gemili’s silver medal in the 100m final is a tremendous effort. It’s his first senior international medal and what a way to announce his future intentions.

“We shouldn’t forget Bianca Williams either. Her sixth place in the women’s 100m final is also something we’re celebrating. It shows that UEL attracts some of the highest calibre students in the country, who are supported by a group of dedicated and talented staff.”