Running News Daily

Neil Gourley Sets Sights on 1500m World Title: “It’s My Turn at the Top of the Podium”

After clinching his first global medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, you is setting his sights on something even bigger: gold in the 1500m at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo.

The Scottish middle-distance star delivered a commanding performance indoors, earning silver behind Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. But for Gourley, it wasn’t just about the medal—it was about momentum. And belief.

Earlier that weekend, Gourley served as captain of the British team, delivering an inspiring speech to his teammates, urging them to “leave room for the extraordinary.” Then he went out and embodied those very words.

“It was an emotional weekend,” Gourley reflected. “To lead the team and then come away with a medal—it meant a lot. But I’m not satisfied yet. I’ve seen what Jake and Josh have done. I want that gold. It’s my turn now.”

He’s referring to fellow Scots Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr, who both made headlines by defeating Ingebrigtsen to win 1500m gold at the last two World Championships. Wightman shocked the field in Eugene in 2022, while Kerr executed a masterclass in race tactics in Budapest in 2023.

Now, Gourley wants to be the next name in that elite lineage.

“There’s something special happening in Scottish middle-distance running,” he said. “We’re not just showing up—we’re winning. I want to be part of that legacy.”

Gourley’s trajectory has been steadily rising. With a background in the NCAA system, British titles to his name, and a reputation for tactical intelligence and fierce finishing speed, he has quietly become one of the most dangerous men in the event.

But this September in Tokyo, he doesn’t want to fly under the radar. He wants the spotlight.

“The standard has been set, and I’m ready to meet it,” Gourley said. “I’ve visualized this. I’ve trained for this. I’ve seen what’s possible. Now I want to do it myself.”

As preparations begin for the outdoor season, Gourley will focus on sharpening his race craft, dialing in his training, and building toward the moment he’s dreamed about—standing on top of the podium in one of the sport’s most iconic events.

“I’m coming for it,” he said. “Tokyo is where I want to make it happen.”

With Wightman and Kerr already enshrined in British running history, Neil Gourley is ready to write his own chapter—and keep the golden streak of Scottish milers alive.