Ingebrigtsen withdraws from 1500m final, delaying Kerr showdown

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has officially withdrawn from the men's 1500m final at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Ingebrigtsen secured victory in the inaugural 5000m final at the new global event. The two athletes have not faced each other in competition since 2024.

Ingebrigtsen stated in a video posted on Instagram: "Unfortunately I'm not in a position to go in back-to-back races." The 25-year-old Norwegian returned to action last month following an 11-month injury lay-off that included Achilles surgery. Ingebrigtsen criticized Kerr's decision to miss the Europeans, claiming athletes who choose to miss major competitions are "ruining" the sport.

Kerr responded to those comments by saying Ingebrigtsen's return was "great" for the event but added that he could "foresee some struggling" for his rival. Sunday's men's 1500m final will pit Kerr against Olympic champion Cole Hocker, bronze medallist Yared Nuguse, reigning world champion Isaac Nader, and 2022 world champion Jake Wightman. Kerr recently set a new mile world record.

Ingebrigtsen said: "I think it's misunderstood just because you ask a question and because you are critical to someone's actions." Ingebrigtsen won the 1500m Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games and the 5000m title at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The withdrawal means his next potential meeting with Kerr will have to wait until 2027.

In a video posted on Instagram, the 25-year-old Norwegian stated, He elaborated that while he would love to be sharper regarding recovery, he is fo... After winning European 5000m gold in Birmingham in September 2025, Ingebrigtsen had criticized Kerr for missing the competition, claiming athletes ... Kerr responded by stating he loves racing but refuses to compete when not ready or when the risk of injury is high.

He added, Earlier comments from Ingebrigtsen, which included branding rivals as losers and cowards, stemmed from his frustration during the Diamond... With Ingebrigtsen pulling out, Josh Kerr will proceed to race against the remaining world-class field in Budapest. Despite the tension, Kerr noted that Ingebrigtsen's return was great for the event but foresaw some struggle for his rival as he continues to rebui...

The World Athletics Ultimate Championship continues in Budapest, with other events scheduled including appearances by Great Britain's Keely Hodgkin... Ingebrigtsen expressed disbelief at reaching this point in 2026 after an 11-month injury lay-off that included Achilles surgery. His absence from the 1500m final deprives the championship of its first head-to-head clash between him and Kerr in two years, leaving the outcome o...