Neil Gourley, the British middle-distance runner, is set to face a highly competitive field at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Despite the presence of world record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Gourley exudes confidence.

Championship Background The European Indoor Championships commence on Thursday, featuring some of the world's best athletes in the 1500m event. Among them is Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who recently shattered his own indoor world records in both the 1500m and the mile.

Gourley's Current Form At 30, Gourley has shown impressive form, clinching the UK Indoor Championships last month with a record-breaking performance. His preparation and recent successes position him as a strong contender for a medal.

Gourley's Perspective "I'm in a position now where I'll be looking at winning medals, absolutely," stated Gourley. He is particularly excited about testing his capabilities against the best, including Ingebrigtsen, the reigning champion and heavy favorite.

Upcoming Challenges The European Championships serve as a warm-up for the World Indoor Championships in China and the outdoor World Championships in Tokyo. Gourley aims to secure his first global medal, acknowledging the increasing competitiveness of the 1500m event.

Final Thoughts "The standard gets raised every single year," said Gourley. "It's a case of raising my game. I believe I have the tools and I'm getting better every year." The road to a medal will be arduous, but Gourley remains optimistic and determined.