\n<\/p>\n
“In the early 2000s there was no-one to really look up to, who was doing it at a truly world class level, then you started to have people like Chris O\u2019Hare and Laura Muir come through, and show that we can compete with the best in the world here.<\/p>\n
“I think there was often an attitude in the past that it\u2019s going to be so tough to live with the best in the world, whether they were from the US or Kenya or wherever really, and I think that\u2019s totally disappeared.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s a mental toughness there too, which doesn\u2019t get talked about – we refuse to take no for an answer when the cards are against us. It\u2019s no coincidence that success breeds more success, so I\u2019m looking to do my part and inspire other people down the road.”<\/p>\n
What that success looks like in Paris is Gourley\u2019s main focus, however, as he hopes to follow up his gold at the British championships last month.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019d certainly say at this point in my career and the work I\u2019ve done leading to this point it should be the goal to win a medal at these championships, I\u2019d be selling myself short if it wasn\u2019t,” he added.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019d like to come away with something physically but more than that I\u2019d like to make sure I have the best race of my life in the final. If I can say I had that, with all the preparation, I can\u2019t come away disappointed.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n