
Norwegian athlete cites recovery needs following injury as reason for skipping showdown with rival Josh Kerr
AI-generated summary
Ingebrigtsen recently returned to competition following an 11-month injury layoff involving Achilles surgery. He previously won the 5,000m final at the event.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen has withdrawn from the 1500m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, putting his reunion with rival Josh Kerr on hold.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Ingebrigtsen took an impressive victory in the men's 5,000m final at the inaugural edition of the sport's new global event on Friday night.
But, having only returned to action last month following an 11-month injury lay-off that included Achilles surgery, the 25-year-old Norwegian has announced he does not want to risk competing again in Sunday's 1500m final.
In a video posted on Instagram, Ingebrigtsen said: "Unfortunately I'm not in a position to go in back-to-back races.
"I would love for it to be different, and to be sharper in terms of recovery, but coming from a very difficult last two years with injury problems and Achilles surgery I am forced to be more sensible than I would like to be.
"Ultimately, it is about getting back into racing, getting back to 100% fitness, and thinking about 2027.
"Just looking back a short time ago, it is unbelievable that we have been able to get this far in 2026 and be able to be here."
It did not take long for Ingebrigtsen to make a statement following his return - both on and off the track.
After winning European 5,000m gold in his first race since the World Championships in September 2025, Ingebrigtsen reignited his war of words with Kerr.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ingebrigtsen criticised Kerr's decision to miss the Europeans, claiming athletes who choose to miss major competitions are "ruining" the sport.
In Budapest on Sunday, he was set for an eagerly anticipated first head-to-head against 2023 world champion Kerr in two years.
Kerr has since responded to those comments, saying Ingebrigtsen's return was "great" for the event - but added that he could "foresee some struggling" for his rival as he continues to rebuild his fitness.
Sunday's men's 1500m final will still pit Kerr against a world-class line-up including Olympic champion Cole Hocker and bronze medallist Yared Nuguse, reigning world champion Isaac Nader, and 2022 world champion Jake Wightman.

Aryna Sabalenka prepares to face Elena Rybakina in the US Open final, knowing her 99-week reign as world number one is ending as Rybakina takes the top ranking.

Conor Benn returns to welterweight to challenge WBC champion Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas on Sunday, 13 September, with boxing figures offering mixed predictions for the bout.

Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia both made weight for their WBC welterweight title fight at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with Benn later revealing a 32lb weight gain before the bout.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised striker Joao Pedro, comparing his style to former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema and rating him at a similar level to Manchester City's Erling Haaland. Alonso highlighted Pedro's versatility, intelligence, and maturity, noting his 25 goals and 11 assists in 57 matches since joining Chelsea last summer. Pedro, 24, won Premier League Player of the Month after scoring twice and providing two assists in his first three games, and signed a new contract until 2034.

Tottenham forward Richarlison's proposed move to Vasco da Gama has collapsed due to personal terms disagreements, with the Brazil transfer window closing Friday and indications he may remain at Spurs after his Everton move also failed over contract terms.

Mercedes driver George Russell has described the new Madrid street circuit as 'very high risk' following a crash by rookie Arvid Lindblad in practice. Drivers highlighted concerns over high-speed corners, proximity to walls, and significant tyre degradation.