By Will Jennings in Munich

Jake Wightman knows he is taking a significant step into the unknown in Munich this week.

The Nottingham star has enjoyed a whirlwind month that saw the dizzying highs of a shock World Championship gold brought back down to earth with a bump at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Wightman, 28, stunned Norwegian rival Jakob Ingebrigtsen over 1500m in Oregon before a shot at another major gold went up in smoke against fresher Commonwealth stars Ollie Hoare and Timothy Cheruiyot at the Alexander Stadium.

That race was also a 1500m bout but at the multi-sport European Championships this week, Wightman will attempt to deliver a diverse display of versatility as he competes in the 800m event only.

Add in the fact that he’ll be in close proximity with his dad, and coach, Geoff – who memorably commentated on his Eugene triumph in the stadium – and you’d suggest Wightman would be wise to temper expectations.

But he’s hellbent on firing back on all cylinders and proving he has what it takes across both gruelling distances at the highest level.

Wightman, who competes in his 800m heats on Thursday, said: “Coming here and doing the 800m is something I’m actually excited to do.

“It’s a bit of an unknown and I’ve never done an 800m championships, but I want to show I can be competitive over both 800m and 1500m.

“If I was doing an 1500m here I wouldn’t have come – so the 800m for me is a real refresh and I feel like I’m actually looking forward to racing again.

“Even in March when we were planning the season, three 1500m races would have been tough.

“It looks like I’m trying to duck the 1500m here but I just want to try and see if I can compete over 800m.

“I still want to be considered an 800m runner as well – and I’ll be able to tell you all that after this week.”

The Scot, whose sport is one of nine hosting their European Championships in Munich this week as part of the revamped multi-sport format, added: “The worst and best thing about this season was these three championships.

“Before, I thought it would be easy to do the Worlds, Commonwealths and Europeans but as soon as Eugene happened and went as well as it did, it was so hard to come back.

“My Commonwealths was the least enjoyable Championships I’ve ever had.

“Mentally, I was just trying to re-motivate myself.”
Wightman’s dad went viral last month as his commentary at Hayward Field stadium captured the hearts of athletics fans far and wide.

The Scot toppled Ingebrigtsen, 21, and Spaniard Mohamed Katir to soar to the summit of the podium and prompt a bitter response from the Norwegian.

Ingebrigtsen, who also claimed 5,000m gold in Eugene, branded Wightman the ‘weaker athlete’ after that race but quashed any suggestion of bad blood between the two.

Wightman’s dad commentated on his World Championship triumph but will focus specifically on his coaching role this week.

That means he’ll be considerably more visible during event time but the Scot is hoping his gamble pays off.

“My dad is not doing the announcing this time,” joked Wightman.

“I think people will be glad not to hear his voice in the stadium.

“It’s unique – I’ve never had him anywhere near around the hotel and warm-up area before.

“I’m not sure whether he’ll get on my nerves – I hope he does a good job and benefits me on that side as I’ll be seeing him seeing him a lot more, but I don’t know how it’s going to be.”

The multi-sport European Championships Munich 2022, featuring Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Canoe Sprint, Cycling, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Rowing, Sport Climbing, takes place 11th-21st August on the 50th anniversary of the Olympics Games in the Germany city. Watch daily live coverage across BBC One, Two, Red Button, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website