Jake Wightman shocked by first 800m outing in three months

By Will Jennings in Munich Jake Wightman admits his first 800m race since May was a significant shock to the system. Ad But the versatile Scottish star says the simplified strategy required over the distance has reignited his desire for success. AthleticsMore to come from Caudery despite seventh-placed finish at Europeans2 HOURS AGO Wightman, the current world champion over 1500m, won his European Championship 800m heat on Thursday morning in a time of 1:45.94.

But it was far from straightforward after being made to battle past Simone Barontini and Gabriel Tual into the automatic qualification places. Wightman, who also won Commonwealth bronze over 1500m in Birmingham, wants to prove his diversity this week but says it took time to adapt after an early morning 10am start in Munich. He said: «Honestly, it was unfamiliar because I haven't raced one since the Birmingham Diamond League in May.

»It's tougher than I thought it was going to be. «You forget that the 800m, it takes a lot more out of you than 1500m. »You can't quite cruise in the same way, but I did what I needed to do.

«I was nervous about whether or not I'd done enough work for it. »But I felt okay — it woke me up at this time in the morning as it's a very early start to run an 800m. «I'm just glad I got through.» Wightman stunned Norwegian rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen at last month's World Championships in Oregon to soar a surprise gold medal.