Neil Gourley has revealed how he delayed a return trip to America to help Scotland make the Stewart Cup podium for the second year in succession.
The Virginia Tech student made a key contribution to the Scotland A success in finishing third to GB and NI and the United States in the International 4 x 1K Relay at Holyrood Park.
Jake Wightman, Mhairi Hendry and Jemma Reekie were the other team members who, along with Gourley, enjoyed that special podium moment.
For Gourley, though, there were negotiations to be had with his University coach to make sure he took his place on the start-line for the third leg.
‘I enjoyed it and it is a fun event,’ smiled Neil, who represented Scotland B a year ago and this time took Scotland A from seventh to first with a terrific run.
‘I ran last year and the atmosphere was great so I wanted to do it again when the invitation came through. But first I had to negotiate with my coach, Ben Thomas, because they did want me back in the United States on January 2.
‘The college are supportive, though, and hopefully that run I’ve managed will convince them it was worth it me being here!
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That experience should help them all – with Gourley’s immediate focus now on the indoor season in America.
‘I go back now for the indoor season in the NCAAs,’ said Neil, who flew out of Scotland early on Sunday morning.
‘I am trying to get into the mile final in the NCAA but you need to be in the top 16 times for the season. I ran 3.59 last season but still missed out on it. I am guessing I might need 3.57 or something like this time around!
‘It will be tough, because every meet that happens across the States, people are checking times and seeing where they are ranked. I’ve another 18 months at Virginia Tech studying Chemical Engineering and then I will see what happens after that.’