NEIL GOURLEY races for GB&NI this week at the European Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland. His 1500 heat is tomorrow Thursday 4th at 19:20 GMT. All going to plan the Final is Friday 5th at 20:20. Watch on the BBC Red Button and online. Neil then has two days to get in shape for an EXCLUSIVE ZOOM Q&A with Giffnock North: Sunday 18:00 (max 100 guests, first come first in).

Neil’s form is encouraging: a recent indoor PB of 3: 35.79 seconds puts him third fastest on the start list, behind Poland’s Marcin Lewandowski and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. It should be quite a race, so tune in and cheer on our man. Other Scots to look out for: Andy Butchart (3k), Guy Learmonth (800), Beth Dobbin and Zoey Clark (both in 4×400 relay squad)

Neil’s PBs include (from Power of 10):

• 600m 1.19.16
• 800m 1.46.12
• 1500m 3.35.79i (Josh Kerr’s Scottish indoor record is 3:35.72)
• Mile 3.57.11

Neil’s cv includes: World Championship 1500 finalist (Doha 2019, 11th); European U23 medallist (2015 bronze); British 1500 Champion indoors and out; Scottish 1500 and 800 indoor and outdoor Champion (all 2019).

Selected Other Achievements (from Neil’s breakthrough 2018 season, compiled by Ronnie Gourley

• US Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) 800m champion.
• Member of the Virginia Tech National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Distance Medley Relay   Championship winning team. (First national track title for VT)
• Athletics World Cup (first senior vest for GB) 3rd place
• IAAF Diamond League Anniversary Games 8th place (Diamond League debut)
• Scottish Athletics 1500m National Champion (1st senior national championship)
• IAAF Diamond League (Emsley Carr Mile) 8th place
• Invitation to compete in the 5th Avenue Mile, NY.

All the very best, Neil, for Torun and beyond, from all at the club. ‘Mon the amber and azure!

Report by Croy Thomson