Tokyo next stop on Kerr and Wightman’s journey
APHOTO circulating online shows a pre-pubescent Josh Kerr and a young Jake Wightman beaming for the camera in the colours of Edinburgh AC. A decade on, Kerr has sprouted facial fuzz and his club-mate, four years his senior at the age of 27, retains the same groomed poise.
Side by side in Manchester yesterday, they posed again with grins. An athletic journey, which began in parallel at Meadowbank, will bring a further reunion in Tokyo next month with an Olympic debut for both.
Their close association was matched by ferocious competition in the men's 1500 metres at the British Championships. There was personal honour at stake as well as the grand prize of a ticket to Japan.
Stalking one another, the Scots burst forth at the closing bend. Kerr held the edge. Wightman chased. At the line, a mere five-hundredths of a second was all that stood between them with Kerr triumphant, just, in 3:40.72.
Behind, a slew of contenders, led by Welshman Jake Heyward, will now await the selectors' deliberations for the third discretionary place. For the front two, it is job done but the real mission is to be accomplished in early August.
“We're in a pretty good spot,” the victor said. “It's nice to have great Scottish competition around. We're missing Neil Gourley and Chris O'Hare this year. I'm proud of the Scottish talent and I'm proud of taking this British title.
“Now I'm here because I deserve to be. I didn't sneak in anywhere. I'm bossing races. I'm winning from the back and from the front. If it's a slow race in Tokyo, I'll cope. If it's fast, I'll be there. It's why I've run 5,000m and 800m this summer. I genuinely believe I'm ready to medal. But it's easy to say it. Now I want to go and do it.”
With world champion Timothy Cheruiyot set to miss the Games due to atypical failure at the Kenyan trials, Wightman senses a grand opportunity. He and Kerr were fifth and sixth at the 2019 worlds. They possess pedigree, plus experience. Now they will prepare for their greatest test.
“I really wanted to win that but second is a good outcome,” Wightman said. “But it shows how good Josh is and that hopefully we're both capable of a medal. I knew he'd be hard to beat.
“I'm just pleased it was a smooth run. You don't want your Olympic dream to die because you got tripped. But the main thing is being on the plane to Tokyo. You can plan all you like, but it's still dependent on this. Now I can go back to France, train and get ready for the Games.”
Nicole Yeargin earned an Olympic debut in the women's 400m after the Americanraised Scot came second to Jodie Williams in 51.26 secs.
“I believed I could do it,” Yeargin said. “I've trained for this and put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into it."
Zoey Clark, who came sixth, must now sweat on the possible consolation of a relay place.
“I don't feel like I ran my best,” the Aberdonian rued.
Five years on from coming sixth in Rio, Andy Butchart will take a second swing at an Olympics in the 5,000m. Runner-up here to Patrick Dever, the expectant father ultimately pulled off a safe delivery despite being overtaken in the closing strides.
“The main point of today was confirming my place,” he said. “I felt great but I just lost it on the line. But I'm so happy to get my ticket.”
Holly Bradshaw heightened her credentials for Tokyo by elevating her UK women's pole vault record to 4.90 metres.
Dina Asher-Smith won the women's 100m in 10.97 secs with Asha Phillip and Daryll Neita completing the podium.
“It's making sure that
I'm consistent and I can continue to bring a high level of performance,” said AsherSmith who will race the 200m this afternoon.
CJ Ujah captured an Olympic place with victory in the men's 100m in 10.05 secs following Zharnel Hughes' disqualification for a false start.
Erin Wallace won silver in the women's 1500m behind Revee Walcott-Nolan and the young Scot's resilience may prove significant. She ushered Katie Snowden out of the top two and the bounty of automatic selection, potentially paving the way for training partner Jemma Reekie to double if she chooses in Tokyo.
Nicky Percy procured silver in the discus but was left short of the Olympic qualifying standard of 66m as former NFL prospect Lawrence Okoye secured his spot.
For the other Scots, there were domestic bronzes for Rachel Hunter in the hammer, Sarah Tait in the 3,000m steeplechase, David Smith in the high jump and Greg Millar in the javelin.