Jakob Ingebrigtsen withdraws from 1500m final in Budapest, delaying Kerr showdown
Norwegian runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen has withdrawn from the 1500-metre final, which was due to take place on Sunday at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship tournament in Budapest, Hungary. According to Channel NewsAsia, the athlete did not want to risk competing twice in three days as he continues recovering from Achilles tendon surgery in February.
Recovery after surgery
The 25-year-old two-time Olympic champion returned to competition only last month after an almost year-long injury layoff. In a video posted on Instagram, Ingebrigtsen said he is not currently ready for back-to-back starts and must be more cautious with his workload after a difficult two years involving injuries and surgery.
According to the athlete, he made the decision after a track test on Saturday. On Friday, Ingebrigtsen won the 5000-metre final, accelerating with 100 metres remaining and beating his rivals. He also said that returning to elite competition after several months of uncertainty had already exceeded his expectations.
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Meeting with Kerr postponed
The Norwegian's withdrawal from the 1500 metres once again postpones his meeting with Britain's Josh Kerr. The athletes last competed against each other in 2024.
Last month, Ingebrigtsen returned to competition by winning European gold in the 5000 metres. He subsequently criticised athletes who skip major championships; the comments were considered directed at Kerr, who did not defend his European champion title. Kerr, who set the world mile record in July, said that a selective competition schedule is necessary for a long career.
The 1500-metre final will feature Kerr, Olympic champion Cole Hocker, Olympic bronze medallist Yared Nuguse, reigning world champion Isaac Nader and 2022 world champion Jake Wightman.
