“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’Hare and Laura Muir come through, and show that we can compete with the best in the world here.
“I think there was often an attitude in the past that it’s 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’s totally disappeared.
“There’s a mental toughness there too, which doesn’t get talked about – we refuse to take no for an answer when the cards are against us. It’s no coincidence that success breeds more success, so I’m looking to do my part and inspire other people down the road.”
What that success looks like in Paris is Gourley’s main focus, however, as he hopes to follow up his gold at the British championships last month.
“I’d certainly say at this point in my career and the work I’ve done leading to this point it should be the goal to win a medal at these championships, I’d be selling myself short if it wasn’t,” he added.
“I’d like to come away with something physically but more than that I’d 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’t come away disappointed.”