Jake Wightman’s dream came true in Birmingham today when he was announced as the champion of the world - by his dad.
A fortnight after winning Britain’s solitary gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, the 1500 metres star easily won his heat in the colours of Scotland.
But what he wanted most was to hear his dad and coach - stadium announcer Geoff - welcome him and his new status to the start line in front a near 30,000 capacity crowd.
Wightman said: “That’s definitely the most that it's sunk in - because that’s what I was waiting for. To be announced as that and to be like, yeah, I have actually done that.
“It was even nice walking round the bend and hearing a lot of people clapping and saying ‘well done’ and ‘good luck’ to me. It’s special, a real confidence boost.”
The Nottingham-born star surged clear in the final 50 metres to take the win in three minutes 48.34 seconds and easily book his place in Saturday’s final.
It has been a whirlwind time of late for the Scottish athlete, who has taken up poster-boy status at the Games in Birmingham following his success in Oregon.
Wightman will now be eyeing a golden hat-trick - first with success in Birmingham before next month's European Championships.
Before competing in his heat at the Commonwealth Games, Wightman said: “It’s ridiculous. And pretty cool, because my Commonwealth and European bronze medals from 2018 were getting a bit extinct.
“I’m glad I’ve been able to refresh my CV and my dad can actually announce me as something else.”
