– with AP
The biggest news out of qualifying this morning was former Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen failing to advance out of the first round of the 1,500 meters
The Norwegian finished eighth in his heat, which was won by Jake Wightman, the man who sensationally beat Ingebrigtsen to gold at the 2022 world champs.
After winning at 1,500 and 3,000 meters at indoor worlds in March, Ingebrigtsen was beset by an Achilles injury. This was his first race since capturing those titles. Still, this came as a surprise.
“It’s a first-time experience,” he said.
“It is, of course, very disappointing, but at the same time a reality check of how bad it is. The 15 is an event that’s very competitive and you need to prepare your best and unfortunately, I’m not there.”
He said he felt “closer,” fitness-wise, to being ready for the 5,000, where he is the reigning world and Olympic champion. Prelims for that race start next Friday.
For all his success at 5,000 meters, it is the 1,500 that is considered the marquee non-sprinting race, and Ingebrigtsen has been part of a years-long drama involving himself, Wightman, Josh Kerr (who beat him in 2023 and successfully qualified for the semis in Tokyo) and last year’s Olympic champion, Cole Hocker of the United States.
The world championship gold is the only title eluding him at 1,500m
Ingebrigtsen won the Olympic title at this distance in 2020. Just last year, he posted the fourth-best time in the history of the event.
In the leadup to worlds this year, he said “if I’m on the start line with a bib on my chest and spikes on my feet, I’m going to do what I’ve always done, and have obviously the same approach that I’ve always had.”
He spent most of Sunday’s race, uncharacteristically, near the back. On the last lap, he moved inside and briefly worked his way into sixth place. But there was no closing kick.
“No and yes,” Ingebrigtsen said when asked if he was injury free for the race.
“My Achilles, I didn’t not feel it in this race. But what does that matter?”