Wightman becomes first Brit since Cram to win world 1500m title

Athletics 20 Jul 22

Jake Wightman came into the 1500m final as an outside bet, but left a champion.

Jake Wightman wins 1500m gold

Jake Wightman the middle-distance athletics runner stormed to a memorable victory, fighting off Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen to claim gold at Eugene in sensation fashion and double Britain’s medal tally at the World Championships in Oregon.

Wightman kicked into gear with 200m remaining and never relinquished his lead, setting a new personal best and world lead time of 3:29.23.

As the Scot crossed the line, he collapsed to the floor, struggling to comprehend the enormity of what he had just achieved, repeatedly mouthing ‘Oh my God’ to himself.

“It probably won’t sink in until I have retired. It’s mad,” said Wightman. “I was running for my life on that home straight.

“I have given up so much to get to this point and it makes everything worth it.

“I had such a disappointing year in Tokyo last year. I don’t think people realise how crushing it was to go in with such high expectations but end up tenth.”

Reigning Olympic bronze medallist Josh Kerr was the British favourite heading into the race and despite running a personal best, was upstaged by Wightman, who became the first British man to win the 1500m World Championship title since Steve Cram did so back in 1983.

1500m Team GB Jake Wightman win

The win further proves the depth of talent Britain, and more specifically Scotland, possess in middle-distance running, as Wightman followed in the footsteps of fellow 1500m medallist Laura Muir.

“We have had so many athletes over the past few years pushing the standard of British athletics in my event," he added.

“What Josh did last year was such a big thing for all of us. It showed that you can be brought up in the Scottish and British system and get to the top. I never gave up in my confidence to get to this point. I am so glad that I have been able to do what I have dreamed of since I was a kid.”

That childhood dream was fully vindicated during the medal ceremony as Wightman was introduced over the tannoy by his father and coach Geoff Wightman, who was acting as stadium announcer.

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