Euro Athletics Junior Championships Flash Quote - Men's 1500
20th July 2013Jake Wightman – European Junior 1500m Champion – 3.44.14
I didn’t know Matt [McLaughlin] was going to take it on, but when he went I knew I had to go with him as it was going to go out fast and I didn’t want to be left behind.
I thought I’d give it a go at 400m [to go] but then realised I probably wouldn’t make it, so when he came past it spurred me on a little bit and helped me to find something else and pass him again in the end.
I ran at the British senior champs and in that heat people came past me with 200m to go, and I pretty much gave up on that and I didn’t want that to happen again. I knew I had to respond and I’m glad I did!
It’s been a year of progress, that’s for sure. Last year I wasn’t expecting to run anywhere near the times I have, and this championships was an aim, but a pretty top end aim. I did the first job by getting here, and I’ve made the most of it now I’m here!
I didn’t know I’d won until I crossed the line – I didn’t have a clue what was happening behind me. I couldn’t believe it to be honest; I thought must have had a lap to go or something! It’s a great feeling, and hopefully one that I can have again someday.