Sprinter Adam Gemili became only the sixth British man to rocket to a sub-10 second 100 metres before a set of pyrotechnics left his participation in the World Championships in doubt.
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Gemili toppled onto the Alexander Stadium track as he crossed the finish line in the process of recording a personal best 9.97 mark behind American winner Marvin Bracy.
The 21-year-old later confirmed he had injured his right hamstring. The results of a scan are expected today but it could threaten his participation in the World Championships in Beijing in August.
Afterwards Gemili, who left the track in a wheelchair, told former world championship medallist Darren Campbell that he had been startled by a set of flame-shooters which burst into action as the athletes crossed the finish line.
Campbell said: “Adam told me he got a shock by the pyrotechnics going off at the end when he was stretchered off. It’s madness. You can’t manufacture atmosphere.”
Here’s a video of my sub 10 race from yesterday for anyone who would like to see it https://t.co/GeQYnjh4mF
— Adam Gemili (@Adam_Gemili) June 1, 2015
It was another blow at the end of a bad week for British Athletics, which has had to deal with the fall-out over BBC Panorama’s doping allegations and a series of high-profile withdrawals.
But organisers insisted there was nothing new about the pyrotechnics, with an event spokesman insisting: “They are a standard part of Diamond League Event presentation and have been since the series first launched. We have had no complaints about their use at this or any other events.”
Gemili had recorded a time of exactly 10 seconds in his semi-final heat and went faster in the final where he appeared to jolt upright on the line just as track-side pyrotechnics signalled the end of the race.
Gemili said: “I felt my hamstring go as I dipped but I’m in good spirits. I can’t make a comment on the injury yet. Not the fairy-tale ending I wanted, but I’m proud to be the only Brit to go sub-10 and sub-20. British sprinting is really stepping up and I’m glad to be a part of it.”