The Manchester-based runner is back in the World Championship final in Tokyo as one of three Brits
Jake Wightman, 29(Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
The last time Jake Wightman was in a global 1,500m final, he won it.
Three years on from that iconic success in Eugene, he is back in the World Championship final in Tokyo as one of three Brits.
He ran in the same heat as Josh Kerr, finishing just behind his teammate in third avoiding a coming together that saw the 2023 world champion Kerr fall down as he crossed the line.
After the stress fracture and hamstring injuries that kept him out of his world title defence and last year’s Olympics respectively, Wightman seems to be hitting form at just the right time ahead of tomorrow’s final.
Athlete and staff meeting during Novuna GB&NI Team Holding Camp in Miyazaki, Japan(Image: Sam Mellish Photography)
He said: “It’s nice. It feels like a long time since 2022, but I feel like I’ve navigated these champs pretty well, so I’m pleased with that.
“I was telling Josh after the pushing all came at the end when we didn’t need to, I think there were enough of us away. I stayed on my feet, but it was just too much.
“I’m glad I did what I needed to do, so I’ll rest up for Wednesday now.”
Wightman will be one of three Brits in the final, with Neil Gourley coming through the second semi-final.
And their cause was helped by the disqualification of Olympic champion Cole Hocker for jostling after he barged his way through a gap on the home straight.
With Jakob Ingebrigtsen having already fallen by the wayside in the heats, the field looks to be opening up for the Brits, even if unbeaten Dutchman Niels Laros and former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot will pose a stern challenge.
Kerr has warned his 1500m rivals to ‘bring it’ though, as he prepares to defend his crown. Shaking off his fall, Kerr fired a shot to anyone who thinks they can stop him becoming the first Brit since Mo Farah to win back-to-back world titles.
“I would say it’s one of the most confident I’ve gone into a world final,” he said. “Each championship has been their own kind of challenges and fun, and I’ll keep doing what I can to show up and medal and go after the gold.
“It’s my title, it will be a real battle for whoever wants to come take it off me, but, just keep an eye out on that last lap and I’m going to get some work done.”
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