Jake Wightman: “I’d hate for athletics to just be considered an Olympic sport”

The 2022 world 1500m champion emphasises why the Keely Klassic is so important to athletics in the UK

Jake Wightman has stated that he’d “hate for athletics to just be considered an Olympic sport” and “athletes also have a responsibility to “keep the momentum going”.

Earlier this month, the 2022 world 1500m champion talked through the disappointment of having to miss the Olympics due to injury on his Youtube channel, which sparked hundreds of supportive comments.

Many of those focused on the authenticity of Wightman’s message, with one saying the Brit was “open, honest, self depreciating”.

After a myriad of setbacks in the past couple of years – a serious foot injury wrecked his 2023 season before a small tear in his right soleus stopped him competing at Paris 2024 – Wightman is eager to build himself up slowly this year.

His first major test on a global stage – Wightman opened his season with victory over 3000m at the Scottish Indoor Championships – comes over the same distance at Sunday’s New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, before he tests himself in the mile at the Millrose Games.

The 30-year-0ld then attempts to regain his British 1000m record at the Keely Klassic in Birmingham – Charlie Grice holds the current mark with 2:17.20 – and thinks the event is really important to athletics in the UK.

Here’s our exclusive interview with Wightman below:

How’s the training all going and how are you feeling?

Before coming out to training Poch, I did a 3000m race in Glasgow as a tester and see where I was. That went better than what I hoped it would. I’ve been trying to not do too much because I feel like I’m in a good place. I’m now focused on getting ready to race when I get back. You never really feel like you’re ready to run a 1500m but I’m sure I’ll be ready for Boston.

The main thing for me is that I just wanted to get back racing. Having last season cut short like that was obviously disappointing and it made realise that if I have the chance to go to a championships, I have to take every opportunity. That’s what I’m hoping to do this indoors season. I’m hoping it’s not just a stepping stone for outdoors and a good season in its own right.

Jake Wightman (Getty)

How much does it mean to be back after so many injuries?

This time last year, I’d have probably said the same, in that ‘I feel like I’ve turned over a new leaf and I’m ready to go again’. It’s…