Ingebrigtsen expresses disappointment over Kerr's European Championship absence
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 6:39 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
Jakob Ingebrigtsen has voiced significant disappointment regarding Josh Kerr's absence from the European Championships in Birmingham, emphasizing that such decisions negatively impact the sport. Ingebrigtsen recently secured the 5,000m gold, marking a remarkable return from an Achilles injury after 11 months out of competition. Despite praise for Kerr's recent world record for the mile, Ingebrigtsen believes athletes should prioritize participation in championships over personal records. The rivalry between the two has intensified following their previous encounters, including a notable showdown at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023. Both athletes are seen as key figures leading into the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- •Ingebrigtsen won 5,000m gold at the European Championships.
- •Kerr did not include the championships in his season plans.
- •Their rivalry has drawn attention leading to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- •Ingebrigtsen has become the joint-most successful athlete in European Championship history.
- •Both athletes have exchanged criticisms regarding competitive priorities.
- 10:31 PMThe Guardian Sport — Ingebrigtsen claims Kerr ‘ruining’ athletics by missing Europeans after breaking mile record
- 6:39 PMYahoo Sports — Kerr's Europeans absence ruining the sport - Ingebrigtsen
- 6:39 PMBBC Sport — Kerr's Europeans absence ruining the sport - Ingebrigtsen
"Josh Kerr broke longstanding world mile record last month Norwegian says championships are ‘for the best athletes’ The European 5,000m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen has criticised Britain’s Josh Kerr for being one of the athletes “ruining” the sport by missing the event in Birmingham. Ingebrigtsen, who won a brilliant gold medal in his first race after 11 months out of the sport due to an achilles injury, also told the BBC that he “could never” prioritise a time over a title. Continue reading...
"Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is "very" disappointed by British rival Josh Kerr's decision to miss the European Championships in Birmingham.
"Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is "very" disappointed by British rival Josh Kerr's decision to miss the European Championships in Birmingham.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportAug 13, 2026, 10:31 PMIngebrigtsen claims Kerr ‘ruining’ athletics by missing Europeans after breaking mile record
Josh Kerr broke longstanding world mile record last month Norwegian says championships are ‘for the best athletes’ The European 5,000m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen has criticised Britain’s Josh Kerr for being one of the athletes “ruining” the sport by missing the event in Birmingham. Ingebrigtsen, who won a brilliant gold medal in his first race after 11 months out of the sport due to an achilles injury, also told the BBC that he “could never” prioritise a time over a title. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 6:39 PMKerr's Europeans absence ruining the sport - Ingebrigtsen
Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is "very" disappointed by British rival Josh Kerr's decision to miss the European Championships in Birmingham.
- BBC SportAug 13, 2026, 6:39 PMKerr's Europeans absence ruining the sport - Ingebrigtsen
Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is "very" disappointed by British rival Josh Kerr's decision to miss the European Championships in Birmingham.
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