"I can't wait to see my phone when I can speak to friends, family and all the people, so many people, who have helped me over the years to get to here. Geoff and Susan Wightman with their world champion son Jake in Eugene.

The young Scottish man was celebrating the win when the big screen in the stadium switched over to the stadium announcer. Great Britain's Jake Wightman took a surprise gold medal at the 1500m event in the 2022 World Athletics Championships on Tuesday. browser that Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. He has a familiar look.. It sounded like he had a lump in his throat. The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. What happened to Devon Allen at the World Athletics Championships? I coach him. As the small British contingent in Eugene began to celebrate the countrys first 1500m world title since Steve Cram in 1983, the giant screen at Hayward Field suddenly switched to the stadium announcer. Remarkably, his dad (and coach) Geoff commentated on the race. I coach him. [5] He won the gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. He kept it together OK, he's very professional at what he does but he seemed happy after. "I hope that's the highlight of his announcing career, though he'll probably say it was Mo Farah in the 2012 Olympics," the younger Wightman told Reuters after his brilliant, tactical victory over Norwegian favourite Ingebrigtsen. Jake Wightman defeated Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen to clinch the gold medal at the 1500m event in the World Athletics Championships. It's pretty cool to have your dad calling the races and it's probably unique in any sport.". But it never happened and Im world champion., Later, when asked about how he felt about his dads commentary, Wightman Jr smiled: He can be a bit of a robot on the mic sometimes some people say robot, some say professional. British middle-distance runner (born 1994), Jake Wightman at the 2016 European Championships, "Jake Wightman stuns 1500m field to claim world title as dad commentates", "Who is Jake Wightman? There may have even been a lump in both father and son's throats. I have got to tell you why the camera is on me, said Geoff Wightman, a former top marathon runner and the voice of athletics in stadiums for decades. Helene, part of our team, filmed Dad. ", Jake Wightman has become the World 1500m champion. ", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D9lOPYeNbU. A year ago in Tokyo, Wightman had finished 10th in such exalted company but in the depths of the winter father and son had concocted a daring plan to toughen Jr up. As the runner won the race in three minutes and 29.23 seconds narrowly beating Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Spains Mohamed Katir his father, in-stadium commentator Geoff Wightman, was on the mic and narrating his sons victory in real time as he passed Ingebrigtsen with 200m to go. "For three minutes it was the same as most 1500ms, it was only the last thirty seconds that it changed," the former marathon runner said. But it was surreal watching him win gold. Beyond proud. Wightmans win was momentous; he was not considered a threatening competitor. Fury: Joshua is going to lose again to Usyk, John McEnroe: Djokovic wants more Grand Slams, Nadal plays without caring about it. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com, Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? But he showed considerable class afterwards, warmly congratulating his friend as he lay on the track before pulling him to his feet. @JakeSWightman @WightmanGeoff @SusanWightman6 pic.twitter.com/8I8IT6ntwb, Katharine Merry (@KatharineMerry) July 20, 2022. I hope he broke that down today. Britains Jake Wightman wins historic 1500m gold at World Athletics Championships. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. [8], Wightman won the gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 2022 World Athletics Championships with a personal best time of 3:29.23, beating Olympic champion and European record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen. The pride and emotion could be heard in his voice as he announced: Gold medallist, and representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jake Wightman., Geoff Wightman, one of the PA voices inside Hayward Field for world championships, closed his eyes and took deep breaths before announcing his son, Jake, as the world 1,500-meter champion. This biographical article relating to English athletics is a stub. But on a wild night in Eugene he was far from alone. This time, he got to witness his son win their countrys first 1500m world title since 1983. supports HTML5 Pick a topic of your interest and subscribe. But until now, all he had to show for his efforts were two bronze medals from the 2018 Commonwealth Games and European Championships. The victory was made more special as it with his father commentating on the race, live in the stadium. If you already have the Guardian app, make sure youre on the most recent version. A shocked Wightman said he didnt think the news would sink in until he was retired, explaining: Its mad, I had such a disappointing year in Tokyo last year.. Oh my, Jake Wightman whispered after pulling off the greatest heist of these World Athletics Championships. 28-year-old wins Britains first gold medal of championships, My voice has gone, says father Geoff on stadium PA in Eugene. I dont think people probably realize how crushing it is to go in with such high expectations, and come away, hoping for a medal, but ending up with 10th, he said, adding his only aim was to do better. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web He was the Mr Nice and Mr Nearly Man of track and field. Daily Briefing He had never before achieved something so great. ?? The main thing is to now thank everyone who has helped me.. Thats my son. At the end of Tuesday's 1,500-metre final though, even the tough old professional allowed himself a brief moment when he announced to the Hayward Field fans: "That's my son and he's world champion", before quickly moving on to the last round of the men's discus. Wightman was born on 11 July 1994 in Nottingham, England. And hes the world champion. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Ive been doing his school sports day since he was about 11 because my wifes been his PE teacher, he drolly explained later. The other Briton in the race, Kerr, never quite threatened before finishing fifth. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KRDO Jobs | FCC Applications |, KRDO FCC Public File | KRDO FCC Applications, Breaking News There are so many people who have helped me get to this point. Its all been worth it: Jake Wightman in dreamland after emulating Crams gold, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Jake Wightman stuns 1500m field to claim world title as dad commentates video. I hope he broke down today. A sweet moment occurred at the World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Oregon when Jake Wightman won the 1500 meter field. The 28-year-old moved into the lead with 200m to go to beat Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen from Norway, with Spain's Mohamed Katir taking bronze. Wow. But the pace was never quite quick enough to blunt Wightmans speed and with 200m to go he struck for glory. I felt strong but Jakob is a beast and I didnt know if he was going to come back. Copyright 2022. Now you can watch the entire NBA season or your favorite teams on streaming. Geoff Wightman is a former marathon runner himself and has been a stadium announcer for several years. Until this point, hed only ever won two bronze medals, and they were for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and European Championships. You'll always have that moment with 150m to go where you think has he gone too soon or are they coming back and then they'll be relief every time you watch it. Ive given up so much to get to this point, such a lot of things sacrificed, and this makes everything worth it.. [10], His father and trainer Geoff Wightman represented England in the marathon at the 1990 Commonwealth Games whilst his mother Susan Tooby and his aunt represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games.[8][11][12]. And hes the world champion!, Scotland's Jake Wightman has won gold in the 1500 meters at the World Athletics Championships.The 28 Y/O ran it in three minutes 29 seconds in Oregon.His dad Geoff was stadium announcer & was commentating on the win - telling the crowd 'that's my son & he's world champion'. video. He has years of experience at stadium announcing, regularly calling his son's races, however, never reveals the family connection. Forgot password? pic.twitter.com/1IcYuXwbUQ. Beyond proud. So Im very proud, very proud. And hes the world champion.. Britain's Jake Wightman wins historic 1500m gold at World Athletics Championships, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wins fifth 100m world title as Dina Asher-Smith settles for fourth, Mo Farahs bravery is his greatest achievement after trafficking revelations. Everyone liked him. Hes putting in a lot of hard work. It will be interesting to watch it back. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on I have to be impartial otherwise, long after hes gone, Ill not be allowed to commentate again on the 1500m.. Morning Forecast Beyond proud. Contests & Promotions, 2022, Pikes Peak Television, Inc. Colorado Springs, CO, USA, on the mic and narrating his sons victory, Tails & Tunes live music event series coming to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Fountain Police Department Explorers excel at Colorado law enforcement competition, Barry Morphew pleads guilty to forgery charge after voting on behalf of missing wife. First he flew past Cheruiyot, the 2019 world champion. "I'm looking forward to watching it again, it'll be like that forever. [7], In the 2020 Diamond League in Monaco, Wightman broke the Scottish record for 1500 metres with a time of 3:29.47. Wightman finished the 1500 meters in three minutes and 29 seconds. My mum was in tears, at least someone was crying.. That is my son and he is the world champion.. But, as he later revealed, he had been preparing for it most of his life. I sat with Mum Susan..then could not wait to give my mate a hug. It was a very proud moment for the commentator, who punched the air with both fists as Wightman crossed the finish line.

How much money do athletes receive at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. The main thing is it made up for the Olympics. Geoff calling his son becoming a World Champion is priceless. Wightman was competing against tough company, including the 2022 worlds fastest man, Abel Kipsang. It was a remarkable win 28-year-old Wightman, who held off Norways Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen to top the podium. Why did Mike Tyson say he thought he was going to die really soon? But could you blame him? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise, "Jake Wightman has just had the run of his life,", UK Sprinter Slams "Relentless" Bad Press As Coach Ejected From World Champs Warm-Up Area, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KjEXDZmxnQ, Magic Moment As Jake Wightman Wins Gold As His Dad Does Commentary. In Tokyo last year he was doing that race and I was pretty disappointing, so it means a lot to come here and have this result because he's my coach also. Weve just taken it to a slightly bigger stadia, slightly bigger crowds and slightly bigger medals. I knew the odds were getting more into my favour the later in the race it went. "It was and still is just disbelief and the moment for it to sink in hasn't occurred yet," he said. after his son Wightman became the first Brit to win gold in the event since Steve Cram in 1983. His father, announcing his sons win said, Jake Wightman has just had the run of his life! Then, letting his emotions slip a bit more, he said, My voice has gone.. To be able to comment you must be registered and logged in. The video clip of dad Geoff which you can watch below was emotional and went viral after his son Wightman became the first Brit to win gold in the event since Steve Cram in 1983. Running is coming home, he said. Watch as Wightman senior commentated on his son's race in an emotional moment at the Hayward Field: Jake Wightman has become the World 1500m champion. It was at that point Ingebrigtsen, the Olympic champion and the fastest man in the field, took over and pushed on. You only get one shot in four years. I was thinking: I know that guy. For it had already booked Wightman on a flight home on Wednesday at 6.35pm local time an hour after the 1500m medal ceremony was due to take place. I sat with Mum Susan..then could not wait to give my mate a hug. And as he crossed the line in 3:29.23, his father was calling him home. My dad has coached me since I was 14 or 15. Every club coach from Edinburgh, Loughborough Uni, British Athletics have all played a part. It meant that he started as an outsider in a stellar field that included the Olympic 1-2-3 of Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Timothy Cheruiyot and Josh Kerr as well as Abel Kipsang, the worlds fastest man in 2022. Geoff was commentating on the race to those in the stadium for World Athletics. He added: Im 28 now, I dont know how many more opportunities I will get to do this and I hope there is a lot more to come. I need to make the most of it. Facebook,TwitterandInstagram. All rights reserved. "He'll probably tell you that there's been a lot of moments that haven't been remarkable because I've been so bad. Follow trending topics. pic.twitter.com/S3gi0VShSh, Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) July 20, 2022. view detail, Personalise your news feed. What other athletes have hosted the ESPYs before Steph Curry? Mo Farah: How fast can he run and how many medals does he have? He attended Stewart's Melville College and Fettes College, both independent schools in Edinburgh, before studying at Loughborough University. he outkicked Olympic champion and hot favourite Jakob Ingebrigtsen on the final lap to secure a top podium finish in the race. Jake Wightman (born 11 July 1994) is a British middle-distance runner competing primarily in the 1500 metres. Speaking to American athletics publication CITIUS MAG after the race, Geoff described commentating on his son becoming world champion. Somehow Wightman held back tears during a moment that was surely unprecedented in broadcasting and elite sporting history. Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhones or the Google Play store on Android phones by searching for 'The Guardian'. Jake Whiteman Great Britain wins mens 1500m final Massive upset pic.twitter.com/0PjssOcS1m, Ricardo Samuels (@RickyRicardo_77) July 20, 2022, Jake crossed the line in 3.29.23, while Geoff, who was one of the PA announcers on the track, managed to remain calm and collected. Oh my. Shock and awe were etched across his face, in those fast dilating pupils and rapidly widening jaw. At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. My mum was in tears, someone was crying! Wightman Srs response? His dad, a stadium announcer, commentator and Jakes coach, said: Ive been doing his school sports day since he was about 11 because my wifes been his PE teacher.

Ive been doing his school sports day since he was about 11 because my wifes been his PE teacher, so weve just taken it to slightly bigger stadia, slightly bigger crowds and slightly bigger medals, Wightman Sr. explained later to BBC Sport, adding that he needed to be impartial in order to do his job. Athlete wins World Athletics Championships gold", "Jake Wightman smashes 34-year-old Scottish record", "5 things you should know about British athlete Jake Wightman", "GB's Wightman takes stunning world 1500m gold", "World Athletics Championship: How to watch Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman going for gold in 1,500m final", "Jake Wightman: World champion and his dad Geoff on 1500m Oregon victory", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jake_Wightman&oldid=1099506646, Athletes (track and field) at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Athletes (track and field) at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships athletes for Great Britain, Commonwealth Games medallists in athletics, Commonwealth Games bronze medallists for Scotland, European Championships (multi-sport event) bronze medalists, European Athletics Championships medalists, Athletes (track and field) at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 21 July 2022, at 04:17. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more. Who are the 2022 ESPY Awards winners? I have got to tell you why the camera is on me, said Geoff Wightman.

", As Geoff announced the medallists as they mounted the podium, he closed his eyes and took deep breaths. All rights reserved. Thats my son. And it was gold. He and his father had trained hard to prepare him for the finals in Eugene, and it paid off. It required Wightman to swallow his pride and compete in more cross-country and 3,000m races events deep outside his comfort zone so that when he reached this final in Eugene he would retain the strength in his legs and be able to unleash his 1min 44sec 800m speed when it really mattered. The end of the clip saw Geoff put his face in his lap as he attempted to keep it together and fight back the tears. This biographical article relating to Scottish athletics is a stub. Helene, part of our team, filmed Dad. Gold medallist, and representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jake Wightman, he said. Its important to hit the milestone like this, seven, eight-year-old me would never have believed. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Wightman retained close contact with the leaders as Kipsang, who had not lost a race all season, led and then slipped back at 700m. Full list, 200m at 2022 World Athletics Championships: when is the final, schedule, times, favourites, records, Oregon World Athletics Championships 2022 complete schedule: times, dates, events. And on a day when the temperatures crept towards the 90s, the plan worked like a beautiful dream. Jake described his dad as "professional" speaking to BBC Breakfast. Copyright HT Digital Streams Ltd. All rights reserved. I coach him. The 28-year-old from Nottingham was suddenly coming to terms with his first major global medal. His father, Geoff Wightman, former marathoner and long-time media commentator, called the race as in-stadium commentator.[9][4].

@JakeSWightman @WightmanGeoff @SusanWightman6 pic.twitter.com/8I8IT6ntwb. Wightman said he still felt the whole thing was surreal two hours after the victory, having felt all the way down the home straight that somebody would catch him. [4], As a junior athlete, Wightman was the 2013 European Junior Champion in the 1500 metres. Then, without breaking stride, he muscled clear of Ingebrigtsen, too. Certainly UK Athletics didnt expect it. His father Geoff, also Jake's coach, has been a fixture in athletics stadiums for decades and is long used to calling his son's races and never reveals the familial connection, according to Reuters. Severe Weather It will be interesting to watch it back. KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. But no one feared him. Although thankfully for Wightman it was hastily rearranged to 30 minutes after his race. I sat with Mum Susan..then could not wait to give my mate a hug. Which NBA players have won the most ESPYs for Best NBA Player? Lebron, Curry, Jordan, who else? "Jake Wightman has just had the run of his life," he said, before quickly moving back to the Men's Discus final but admitting: "My voice has gone.". Jake Wightman has just had the run of his life, he said, before telling the 15.000 crowd: My voice has gone.. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more. He also had barely any time to take it all in before he was back commentating on the mens 400m hurdles final, 15 minutes later, where another Norwegian Olympic champion, Karsten Warholm, was also beaten. Down the years, everyone knew Wightman had talent - as well as a mulish kick finish. Make no mistake, though: this was Britains most surprising gold medal in the 39-year history of the world championships. Incredibly, it was his father who gave the live stadium commentary for the race. The 28-year-old Wightmans win makes him the first British runner to win the 1,500m in 39 years, when Steve Cram took gold in 1983. To be a world champion is beyond words and whatever happens the rest of my career, I'm that., At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. It just so happened that Wightmans father, Geoff Wightman, was the stadium announcer. So weve just taken it to a slightly bigger stadia, slightly bigger crowds and slightly bigger medals. There was a touching moment at the World Athletics Championships as Jake Wightmans dad commentated on his own son winning 1500m gold. Jake Wightman has become the World 1500m champion. @JakeSWightman @WightmanGeoff @SusanWightman6 pic.twitter.com/8I8IT6ntwb. Helene, part of our team, filmed Dad. Enjoy live and on-demand online sports on DAZN. He's put so much hard work in to get me to this point. For more stories like this,check our sport page. Ive been watching his races for all his life, since he started as a little kid in primary school and to come through and win a global title here of all places.

But the pride was clearly evident in his voice when his son finally stepped on to the highest rung of the podium a few minutes later. Geoff calling his son becoming a World Champion is priceless. In the Guardian app, tap the yellow button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications. Geoff calling his son becoming a World Champion is priceless. Also read: Watch: Ben Stokes walks off to standing ovation in 'massive moment for English cricket' after final ODI innings. Dad can be a bit of a robot on the mic sometimes, some people say robot some say professional, Jake said after the race. [6], In June 2018, Wightman set the Scottish Record for 1000 metres with a time of 2:16.27 at the Diamond League event in Stockholm breaking the previous record which had stood since 1984. Ingebrigtsen was second in 3:29.27, with Spains Mohamed Katir third, just over half a second back. He then clutched his knees as he took in what his son had achieved, while continuing to talk into his microphone as he commented on the post-race scenes. "He's called so many of my bad races so I think he probably needs to celebrate this one now. Activate your account.

Scotland's Jake Wightman won 1500m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon early on Wednesday morning. The only point of having a good 800m PB in a race like that is if you are there with 200m to go, said Wightman, whose win ended a sequence of seven successive golds from Kenya-born 1500m runners. Oh, its gonna be so close So, so close, he said, before declaring Wightman the champion with relative composure. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. How high are the hurdles in athletics and why do men run 110 meters and women 100? With emotions running high following Jake's breathtaking display, Geoff told the thousands in attendance at Hayward Field: "Thats my son. Hes very meticulous in the way he prepares., MORE : Britain's Jake Wightman wins historic 1500m gold at World Athletics Championships, MORE : Mo Farahs bravery is his greatest achievement after trafficking revelations. All eyes were on Great Britains Jake Wightman as he took the gold in the mens 1,500m final but one spectator at this years World Athletics Championships was certainly more delighted than most.