Paris 2024: Neil Gourley through to 1500m semi-finals

Neil Gourley says he soaked in competing at a packed Stade de France after a “horrible winter” of injuries, as he reached the 1500m semi-finals.

The Glasgow runner made a late charge to come fifth in his heat, meaning he goes straight through to Sunday’s penultimate stage rather than having to race again on Saturday.

“I had to take a moment to soak it all in after my race,” he told BBC Scotland.

“For a morning session of athletics to see 80,000 heads is really quite something.

“As for the race itself it was a box check, job done. It wasn’t an easy heat you don’t get easy heats at the Olympic Games.

“I didn’t find myself in the best spot with 200m to go but I just stayed patient and using that gear when I gambled round the outside.

“It wasn’t necessarily Plan A but it worked out fine just the same.

“It was a good warm up for what’s to come in the semi-final, which will be another level and I’ll have to be sharper tactically.”

Gourley says a disrupted winter plagued by injuries was tough to take, but may also have helped him come in feeling fresh.

“I had a couple of pretty severe injuries, and there were times when the Olympics didn’t look likely to be honest,” Gourley admitted.

“In a way it might have been a blessing in disguise.

“I’ve come here with uninterrupted training these last few months and it’s gone from strength to strength.

“Thankfully I’ve come here the healthiest I’ve ever been – there’s nothing really holding me back at the moment.

“I’m excited at that prospect.”