Great Britain's Adam Gemili (centre) in action with Jamaica's Yohann Blake (right) and Bahamas Derrick Atkins (left) in the Men's 100m Semi Final at the Olympic Stadium on day nine of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The mother of sprinter Adam Gemili has described his semi-final run as “a wonderful birthday present”, despite him missing out on a place in one of the fastest 100m finals in Olympic history.

The 18-year-old, who trains with the Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, placed third in his race behind world record holder Tyson Gay and eventual silver medalist Yohan Blake.

His time of 10.06 was just 0.04 slower than the time needed to qualify as one of the two fastest losers for the final that was dominated by Jamaican Usain Bolt.

Proud mother Sacha, of Dartford, said: “It was a wonderful birthday present, I could not have asked for more. I was very, very proud and happy.”

Adam took time to wish his mother a happy birthday to the millions watching at home as he reflected on missing the final by a whisker.

He said: ““I am disappointed because I have been working really hard with my coach to try and get a good start but I wasn’t there tonight.

“I am happy with 10.06 though and the little fraction at the start cost me a lot.

“I was immediately behind. I had to try and maintain my form and I came third in the semi-final of the Olympics and that is great.

“I only started the sport properly in January and I am very pleased with how I came here and showed what I can do.”

Harriers coach Pat Calnan believes Gemili can hold his head up high after a performance he heralded as “tremendous”.

He said: “You can’t ask for much more than what Adam did in his race, he nearly made it and he did himself proud.

“His start in the heat was one of the best I have seen him do, but he was a bit slower in the semi-final. He is still very young and has plenty of time to make a big impact.”

He will now turn his focus to the men’s 4x100m relay heats on Friday night, with hopes of making his first Olympic final on Saturday.