College bosses predicted that running sensation Adam Gemili would scoop a medal in Rio after he landed funding to back his bid for Olympic glory.
Barking and Dagenham College backed Adam, 19, after it emerged UK Athletics would give the sprinter funds as part of its World Class Performance Programme.
His former tutor Rachel Yates expressed every confidence in the runner, who came just 0.4 seconds away from a place in the 100m finals at Stratford this summer.
She said: “We’ve never been in any doubt that 2016 will be Adam’s year. He came so close this year and was only 0.4 seconds away from qualifying for a place in the final line-up against the world’s fastest men.
“For a first outing at the Olympics we think that Adam was world class and are not surprised to hear that he will receive funding as part of the UKA World Class Performance Programme.
“Barking and Dagenham College totally believe in Adam’s abilities and definitely expect to see him on the podium in Rio.”
UK Athletics said the funding and coaching support would help Adam in future world tournaments, including the Moscow World Championships next year and the Rio Olympics in 2016.
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