Scotland's Jake Wightman won 1500m gold at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon early on Wednesday morning.
Remarkably, his dad (and coach) Geoff commentated on the race.
The 28-year-old moved into the lead with 200m to go to beat Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen from Norway, with Spain's Mohamed Katir taking bronze.
Jake Whiteman Great Britain 🇬🇧 wins mens 1500m final Massive upset pic.twitter.com/0PjssOcS1m
— Ricardo Samuels (@RickyRicardo_77) July 20, 2022
Jake crossed the line in 3.29.23, while Geoff, who was one of the PA announcers on the track, managed to remain calm and collected. "Jake Wightman has just had the run of his life," he said, before quickly moving back to the Men's Discus final but admitting: "My voice has gone."
Jake Wightman wins world gold while dad Geoff commentates on race
Geoff was commentating on the race to those in the stadium for World Athletics. He has years of experience at stadium announcing, regularly calling his son's races, however, never reveals the family connection.
With emotions running high following Jake's breathtaking display, Geoff told the thousands in attendance at Hayward Field: "That’s my son. I coach him. And he’s the world champion."
Jake Wightman has become the World 1500m champion. Geoff calling his son becoming a World Champion is priceless. Helene, part of our team, filmed Dad. I sat with Mum Susan..then could not wait to give my mate a hug. Beyond proud. ❤️@JakeSWightman @WightmanGeoff @SusanWightman6 pic.twitter.com/8I8IT6ntwb
— Katharine Merry (@KatharineMerry) July 20, 2022
Speaking to American athletics publication CITIUS MAG after the race, Geoff described commentating on his son becoming world champion.
"For three minutes it was the same as most 1500ms, it was only the last thirty seconds that it changed," the former marathon runner said. "I'm looking forward to watching it again, it'll be like that forever. You'll always have that moment with 150m to go where you think has he gone too soon or are they coming back and then they'll be relief every time you watch it."
Jake described his dad as "professional" speaking to BBC Breakfast.
"He'll probably tell you that there's been a lot of moments that haven't been remarkable because I've been so bad. In Tokyo last year he was doing that race and I was pretty disappointing, so it means a lot to come here and have this result because he's my coach also. He's put so much hard work in to get me to this point.
He kept it together OK, he's very professional at what he does but he seemed happy after."
As Geoff announced the medallists as they mounted the podium, he closed his eyes and took deep breaths. The pride and emotion could be heard in his voice as he announced: “Gold medallist, and representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jake Wightman.”
Geoff Wightman, one of the PA voices inside Hayward Field for world championships, closed his eyes and took deep breaths before announcing his son, Jake, as the world 1,500-meter champion. pic.twitter.com/S3gi0VShSh
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) July 20, 2022
There may have even been a lump in both father and son's throats.
