World 1500m champion from 2022 is returning to form at the right time as the Pre Classic looms

Just one week before the stacked Bowerman Mile at the Nike Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Jake Wightman showed a fine return to form at the LA Grand Prix on Saturday (May 18) with a 1:44.10 800m.

The 2022 world champion continued his comeback from an injury-hit 2023 season as he finished third in a race won by American Bryce Hoppel in 1:43.68.

In the Bowerman Mile on Saturday (May 25) Wightman faces Olympic 1500m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, reigning world 1500m champion and fellow Brit Josh Kerr, plus Yared Nuguse, Neil Gourley, Cole Hocker and Hobbs Kessler of the United States, Cameron Myers of Australia, Abel Kipsang and Reynold Cheruiyot of Kenya and Geordie Beamish of New Zealand among others.

Another British middle-distance runner in fine form at the LA Grand Prix was Katie Snowden as she opened her season with 4:00.89 in a 1500m race won by Diribe Welteje of Ethiopia in 3:55.25.

This follows Sam Atkins 12:54.66 for 5000m at the same meeting on Friday (May 17) as he narrowly missed Mo Farahs UK record.

Despite the British endurance running world focusing on the Night of the 10,000m PBs, there were fine performances by Brits around the world.

George Mills (3:33.47) squeezed past Elliot Giles (3:33.50) in the 1500m at the Diamond League in Rabat as both Brits finished behind Azeddine Habz of France (3:32.86).

World 800m medallist from 2023, Ben Pattison, opened his season with 1:44.75 in fifth place in Rabat in a race won by Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya in 1:43.84 as Dan Rowden of Britain was seventh in 1:45.37.

Elsewhere in Rabat, Prudence Sekgodiso of South African won the womens 800m in 1:57.26.

Rabat Diamond League results here.

USATF LA Grand Prix results here.