Great Britain’s Jake Wightman expressed pride and relief after clinching silver in the men’s 1500m final at the World Athletics Championships, describing the medal as “a gold” after years of personal and professional challenges.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Wightman said he had gone into the race determined to give everything, regardless of the outcome.
“I knew I still had something in me. I knew I was going to run to try and win today and whatever happened, I would be happy,” he said. “When you get that close you cannot help but think what if I had done more? But I left everything out there.”
The 30-year-old admitted the result carried extra meaning after what he called “a few bleak years,” during which injuries and setbacks tested his resilience. His preparations for this season included a major life shift, with a new coach and a move to Manchester — changes he believes paid off.
“I have made some big changes in my life this year. Getting a new coach and moving to Manchester… now that the big stage is here, I stepped up,” he explained. “This silver is a gold for me and I am so relieved.”
Wightman, who credited his coaching team and his father for their support, said the result would take time to sink in.
“I believe that you get what you pay for in the end. I am so happy that all the persistence has been worth it.”
The Briton also revealed he felt he had “another gear” throughout the championships, though he acknowledged uncertainty about how the race would unfold.
His silver marks a major return to form and adds to his growing reputation as one of Britain’s most resilient middle-distance runners.
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
