Photo via BBC Sport

Ingebrigtsen withdraws from 1500m showdown with Kerr

Jakob Ingebrigtsen will not participate in Sunday's 1500m final at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, delaying an anticipated clash against fellow competitor Josh Kerr. The 25-year-old Norwegian star, who possesses two Olympic gold medals, had delivered a commanding triumph in the 5,000m final on Friday evening.

However, he opted out of the subsequent race to avoid risking his physical condition so soon after an 11-month competitive absence requiring an operation on his Achilles tendon, which only ended with his return to competition last month.

Sharing the news via an Instagram video, Ingebrigtsen explained that he cannot handle contesting events in such rapid succession following two grueling years battling health setbacks. Emphasizing the need for caution, he noted that his current focus centers on rebuilding his fitness toward full strength and preparing for 2027.

He also reflected on the remarkable progress his team achieved simply by reaching this stage and competing at this point in 2026.