Jakob Ingebrigtsen has revealed his thoughts on rivals like Josh Kerr after his third European Cross Country victory.
Norwegian middle-distance track king Jakob Ingebrigtsen capped off an impressive 2024 season with his third individual title in four years at the European Cross Country Championships.
The 24-year-old solidified his reputation as one of the world's most versatile runners dominating yet another event in his illustrious career.
The championship in Brussels marked another high point for the Olympic gold medalist, who has balanced success across cross country, track, and Diamond League competitions.
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While Ingebrigtsen celebrated his victory, his remarks about rivals, particularly British runner Josh Kerr, ignited a buzz among fans and analysts alike.
When questioned about the absence of notable competitors at the championship, Ingebrigtsen remarked, "I think it's, if you're not feeling like you know you can perform, you won't do it. So the people that's not there, most likely not able to perform in the different races. I think we're all finding things where we can perform, and hopefully be able to fight for medals."
The Norwegian star’s comments added fuel to his ongoing rivalry with Kerr, known for his capacity to thrive under pressure.
Though Ingebrigtsen acknowledged Kerr’s mental fortitude, his pointed observations underscored the competitive edge that defines their interactions on and off the track.
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Jaob Ingebrigtsen's 2024 season was marked by extraordinary achievements and a moment of disappointment at the Paris Olympics.
Entering the Games as the favorite in the 1500m, Ingebrigtsen had dazzled earlier in the season by breaking the 3:27-minute barrier at the Monaco Diamond League, setting a new European record. Yet, the Olympic final did not go as planned.
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Leading for much of the race, Ingebrigtsen faded in the final lap, finishing fourth behind an American trio led by Cole Hocker, with Kerr claiming bronze.
However, the Norwegian rebounded spectacularly in the 5000m final, clinching gold with a time of 13:13.66.
The victory made him the first Nordic athlete since Finland's Lasse Viren to win Olympic gold in the event, cementing his resilience and versatility.
"I felt like I had something to prove after the 1500m," Ingebrigtsen shared in a post-race interview.
"Winning the 5000m was a testament to my preparation and ability to focus, even when things don’t go as planned."
Ingebrigtsen’s triumph at the European Cross Country Championships further highlighted his adaptability.
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The Norwegian reflected on the distinctive allure of cross country racing, noting the unpredictable nature of the discipline.
"Cross country is something that I really enjoy," he told Olympics.com after the race.
"It's very different from my other competitions, there's something special and exciting about around 100 people being at the starting line, going for the first turn."
This latest victory not only showcased Ingebrigtsen's stamina and strategy but also underscored his ability to dominate in a field far removed from the precision and predictability of track racing.