Jake Wightman, former world champion in the 1500m, is taking a significant step to revive his athletic career, admitting that one more major injury could signal the end. Since his remarkable victory at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Wightman has been plagued by injuries. A serious foot injury derailed his 2023 season, while further calf and hamstring issues sidelined him from this year’s UK Championships and ultimately kept him out of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“If I suffer another big injury or setback, it might be my body’s way of telling me it’s over,” Wightman shared in an exclusive interview with Athletics Weekly. “But I still believe that by making these changes now, I can get back to the level I need to be at.”
Wightman’s new strategy includes a move from his long-time base in Teddington, south London, to Manchester, in order to be closer to his physiotherapist, Alex O’Gorman. While his father, Geoff, will continue as his coach, the shift is focused on keeping his body healthy.
“My dad’s training is what gets me fit,” said Wightman, who has also medaled at both the European and Commonwealth Games. “But with my age and the way my body’s responding, I need to focus on being able to handle it physically. Staying in Teddington would have been great, but my priorities have shifted. For the rest of my career, the therapy has to come first.”
Although Wightman is considering his post-athletics future, his sights remain firmly set on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He sees Manchester as a necessary change that will help him continue to pursue his competitive goals.
“It’s about trying something new—doing the same thing and expecting different results just doesn’t make sense. I’ve been to Manchester a few times, and I think the environment will be good for me. I’m hopeful that when I look back in a year’s time, I’ll know it was the right decision,” he explained.
While the thought of retirement has crossed his mind, Wightman remains committed to proving himself on the track. “If I had missed out on teams or performed poorly because I wasn’t good enough, I might have walked away by now. But I’ve seen flashes of what I’m still capable of, and I want to make sure I have the chance to show that.”
Wightman’s decision to relocate marks a critical turning point in his career, as he hopes to overcome his injury troubles and make one last push toward Olympic success in 2028.
