Gourley will Glasgow for Euro glory
NEIL GOURLEY has vowed to become a hometown hero by topping the podium in Glasgow next month after storming to the UK Indoor 1500 metres title in Birmingham yesterday.
It made the American-based ace, 24, one of six Scots to secure their spots in the British team for the European Indoors at the Emirates Arena in less than three weeks’ time.
And Gourley, who set an indoor personal best of 3:44.76, reckons he’s in shape to go for glory on home turf.
He said: “If I’m going to do what I want to do at the Europeans then I had to also do it here. Glasgow will be even tougher.
“I’m making no secret that I’m going for a medal in Glasgow. I can’t get complacent now because the big challenge comes in two weeks and I’m motivated to do well there.”
Jemma Reekie credited a pep talk from training partner Laura Muir for helping her strike gold in the 1500m.
The 20-year-old pulled off a stunning sprint for home and will now take on the defending Euro champ on their own patch.
She said: “Laura told me before the race that I’d come so far and that I could challenge the girls. She was confident for me.”
Six Scots will definitely be Glasgowbound with Chris O’Hare superbly storming to the 3000m title and Zoey Clark landing the 400m crown.
Guy Learmonth came second in the men’s 800m after original winner Jamie Webb was disqualified for barging him. He said: “I think I felt him do it five times.”
Lynsey Sharp could miss out on the Euros after coming fifth in the women’s 800m.