Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen is targeting a return to racing at the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham from 10-16 August.
Ingebrigtsen hasn’t raced at all in 2026 having undergone surgery on his Achilles tendon in January but he looks poised to make a belated season's debut in the Alexander Stadium next month, where it seems he will be solely focussed on the men's 5000m on the opening evening.
"I can confirm he will run. He is looking forward to being back. It is a great relief, and he is looking forward to it," said Ingebrigtsen’s spokesman Espen Skoland as quoted by NRK.
Ingebrigtsen is eligible to race in both the 1500m and 5000m by virtue of being the reigning champion in both events but his post on Instagram suggested his focus would be on the long distance.
"If you’re waiting for the perfect preparation, perfect conditions, perfect timing, you’ll be waiting your whole life," he posted.
"Anyone who has watched me race over the years will know that competition is what drives me. I am healthy, training has been going well and after discussing with my team, we reached the conclusion that there is no reason not to race.
"What better way than to return to the European Championships, where I have so many golden memories. I’ll be lining up for the 5000m August 10th."
Ingebrigtsen has never been beaten at the European Athletics Championships having swept the 1500/5000m titles at the last three editions dating back to Berlin 2018 when he was just 17.
After retaining his 1500m and 5000m titles in Rome two years ago, Ingebrigtsen made history at the age of 23 by becoming the first male athlete in European Athletics Championships history to win six gold medals.