Jakob Ingebrigtsen has withdrawn from the 1500m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, putting his reunion with rival Josh Kerr on hold.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.”
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