Middle-distance runner Jake represents Scotland and wanted to be an athlete from an early age. He comes from rich athletic stock with dad and coach Geoff, and mum Susan both former athletes. Geoff is a commentator and was the stadium commentator for Jake’s Olympic debut in Tokyo, and called his stunning victory in Oregon, where he won gold and was the first British man to win the world title in the event since Steve Cram in 1983.
Jake Wightman is a middle-distance runner for Scotland, British Athletics and Team GB, competing primarily in the 1500 metres. He won the gold at the World Championships in Oregon and was the first British man to win the world title in the event since Steve Cram in 1983. Jake has also claimed medals at the European Athletics Championships, and the Commonwealth Games.
His father and trainer Geoff Wightman represented England in the marathon at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, and his mother Susan Tooby and his aunt Angela Tooby represented Great Britain at the Summer Olympics in Seoul.
As a junior athlete, Jake was the European junior champion in the 1500 metres. He set the Scottish record for the 1000 metres with a time of 2:16.27 at the Diamond League meeting in Stockholm, breaking the previous record which had stood since 1984.
Jake was named by the Sports Journalists' Association Sportsman of the Year and was nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.