Jake sixth in Birmingham in Men’s 1500m final as Laura misses out
Photos by Sam Mellish
Jake Wightman finished sixth in the men’s 1500m final in Birmingham.
The Scot, with two European Championship medals to his name, was team captain for British Athletics this week.
And after Glasgow disappointment with Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in the Mile, he dearly wanted a podium place in front of the Alexander Stadium crowd.
But he had to settle for sixth place again, like Glasgow, after challenging GB team-mate Jake Heyward for the lead with around 150m remaining.
Big changes arrived on the home straight, however, as Dutch athlete Stefan Nillessen stormed through for gold in 3:35.70.
Swede Samuel Philstrom took silver, while Ireland continued their strong champs with Andrew Coscoran taking bronze. Jake Heyward finished fourth, fellow Brit Arlo Ludewick fifth and Jake sixth.
‘I don’t know . . . I felt like I was in the perfect spot again,’ said Jake, clearly crestfallen and upset at a missed opportunity in a home champs.
‘I still relaxed in that last 100m, which I didn’t expect to at all, so there was nothing I could have done, but I just don’t understand why I felt so bad again.
‘I’ve had a couple of really good sessions, and I thought that was enough. I’m disappointed, very disappointed.’
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Photo via British Athletics/Sam Mellish
Laura Muir missed out on progress from the Women’s 1500m heats after finishing eighth in her race on Saturday lunch-time.
Only the top six were assured of progress and, after being in the qualifying places for around 700m, the Scot was passed by rivals on the home straight.
Laura later confirmed an ankle injury from the Commonwealth Games 5000m race cost her training in a disrupted fortnight prior to Birmingham 2026.
‘It is mixed emotions because I’m pleased with how I ran there, I put myself in the best position possible to make the top six,’ said Laura.
‘I just had a few setbacks the past few weeks after the Commonwealth Games where I hurt my ankle, so it was only yesterday it felt great. I’ve been able to run on it, but it’s not been great.
‘That was a really competitive round the girls were so fast and I had to be at my best to make the final let alone get on the podium. I gave it my best shot and I’m proud of that.’
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