• London Olympics 2012

Sprint sensation Gemili urged to run at London 2012

ESPN staff
June 18, 2012
Mark Lewis-Francis faced a similar dilemma to Adam Gemili when he was 17 © Getty Images
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Adam Gemili should not turn down a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to represent Great Britain at London 2012, according to Mark Lewis-Francis.

Gemili, 18, clocked 10.08 seconds in the 100 metres earlier this month to become the fastest man in Europe this year - and he will run at the Olympic trials this week.

However, he may choose to only compete at the World Junior Championships during July. Lewis-Francis faced the same dilemma in 2000 and opted for the junior event - but he would not advise Gemili to follow his lead.

"This time around it's very different for Adam because it's a home Olympics, a once-in-a-lifetime chance," Lewis-Francis said to the Sun. "I think if I was in the same position as Adam I would take the opportunity."

Lewis-Francis, who is targeting an Olympic place, will take on Gemili at the trials in Birmingham, which start on Friday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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