Jake takes Tom McKean’s Scottish 800m record via win in Brussels

Friday 2nd September 2022

Pic: AG Diamond League

Jake Wightman put in a superb effort at the Brussels Diamond League to run a new Scottish 800m record – eclipsing Tom McKean’s mark set at Crystal Palace 33 years ago.

With an incredible finish to cross the line well clear of 800m World Champion Emmanuel Korir, Jake clocked 1:43.65, ahead of McKean’s 1:43.88, putting the Edinburgh AC athlete fifth on the UK all-time 800m list in addition to his new Scottish record.

A superb finish from Jake Wightman! ?

The Brit seals a HUGE win and new personal best in the men's 800m at the Diamond League in Brussels. ?#BBCAthletics

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 2, 2022

Jake said: ‘I went into it wanting to commit and see what I could do time-wise. The big thing for me was trying to get McKean’s Scottish record, which I’ve finally been able to do because that was always so tough.

‘I would have been disappointed if I’d gone my whole career and not been able to run that, because I feel as though I’ve been capable of it for the past couple of years and just glad I’m in the sort of shape to be able to do it, and still being able to run PBs at this time of the season is nice.’

He said he also plans to run 800m at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday, before heading to New York to finish his season at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile on 11 September.

Many thanks to Stuart Weir in Brussels for the interview.

It was also a fast night for Laura Muir, who competed in the 1500m, with a 2nd place finish behind one her key sparring partners this summer, Irishwoman Ciara Mageean. With Ciara setting a new Irish record in 3:56.63, Laura ran 3:56.86.

She said: ‘Slightly disappointed I didn’t get the win but to run 3:56 and come second, that’s really solid, and great credit to Ciara, a fantastic win for her and a massive chunk off her PB, so a well done to her.’

Also in action on Friday night was Melanie Woods, who pushed in the Wheelchair 100m – for her it was a 17.33 finish for second place, a strong effort just short of her 17.26 PB.

Thanks again to Stuart Weir in Brussels for our interview with Laura.