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Young Scot Wins Lord Coe's Praise

Seb Coe has hailed Jake Wightman’s Gold Coast 2018 bronze medal as a huge moment for the young Scot's burgeoning international career. And the 23-year-old has followed up his 1500m podium moment in Australia – where IAAF President Coe personally presented the medal – with the first Scottish record of his career.

Wightman took down Graham Williamson’s 1000m mark after a 34-year wait with a run of 2.16.27 at the recent Diamond League meeting in Stockholm. Subject to ratification procedures, that Scottish record will appear alongside Jake’s name as his first at either age group or senior level.

With the British Championships and European Trials at the Alexander Stadium in just over a week, Coe believes Jake will be imbued with confidence, even though the selection race for Berlin is packed with fellow Scots like Chris O’Hare, Josh Kerr and Neil Gourley. In an interesting twist of fate, even Williamson’s son, Jamie, is another emerging prospect at the meet.

‘I was very impressed with Jake in Australia, especially the way he attempted and attacked that 800m and 1500m double,’ Coe told scottishathletics.

With Jake fourth in the 800m and third in the 1500m final – his fourth race in five days at Gold Coast 2018 – Coe added: ‘I’m sure Jake has taken great self-belief and confidence from his performance. He’s gone on now and taken a Scottish record at 1000m and I believe that is his first at any age. So that’s another positive sign.

"Jake really should now be on an upward trajectory and it is exciting to see what he can do."

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