Mentally stronger Gourley ready to challenge Ingebrigtsen in Tokyo

Britain’s Neil Gourley said it was his turn to win 1500 metres gold at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships after taking silver at this months World Indoors in Nanjing, though he knows dethroning Jakob Ingebrigtsen will be no easy task.

The 24-year-old Ingebrigtsen clinched gold in three minutes 38.79 seconds in China, with Scot Gourley pushing him closest, taking silver in 3:39.07 after battling to stay in contention when Ingebrigtsen surged ahead midway through the race.

Gourley, 30, said he was ready to take on the challenge of dethroning the Norwegian when they compete again. It sounds like my turn, doesnt it? Im certainly going with that ambition, he told the BBC on Wednesday.

Its going to be incredibly challenging with the level globally right now but Im looking to go to Tokyo and take my turn on the top of the podium. Its a challenging one but Im definitely up for the challenge.

The Tokyo worlds will take place from September 13-21.

Gourley added that he was mentally stronger now after overcoming a tough period with mental and physical health issues during last years World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

Twelve months ago I wasnt in a great place mentally or physically. I was quite upset watching the World Indoors happen here in Glasgow because it really would have been special to do it in my home city, he said.

Sometimes these things, although theyre tough to take at the time, can create a bit of mental fortitude that I was able to call on this weekend. REUTERS

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