Gemili gold bid ends before it begins

ADAM GEMILI will switch his focus to this summer’s European Championships after his injury jinx returned to wreck his hopes of 100m gold here.

The Londoner, left, put the cap on a miserable day for England after a thigh muscle tear forced him to pull out of a final that threw up a shock defeat for Jamaican favourite Yohan Blake.

Gemili had insisted after the semi-final the problem would not stop him putting his body on the line, but after further medical checks he decided not to risk it.

The 24-year-old, who will also miss the relay, said: “I’m hugely gutted I have had to withdraw. I am proud to represent England and it is devastating not to have the chance to compete.”

Usain Bolt may not have been in the stadium but he had jokingly warned his successor to not return to Jamaica unless he won gold. Blake has probably already torn up his passport.

The former world champion could manage only bronze, clocking 10.19secs as South Africa’s Akani Simbine powered to victory in 10.03, ahead of team-mate Henricho Bruintjies.

“I lost it at the start,” Blake said. “I’m gutted, it would have been a good way to get back on top. It’s really frustrating.” England’s Asha Philip did line up in the women’s final but there was huge disappointment as she finished fourth, having qualified with the quickest time. Michelle-Lee Ahye took gold for Trinidad & Tobago in 11.14.

“I know I am so much better than that,” said Philip, after running 11.28. “It was a medal up for grabs and I’ve missed it.”

Scotland’s Eilish McColgan, meanwhile, made it into today’s 1500m final as a fastest loser.