Despite having yet to race this summer, Jakob Ingebrigtsen has confirmed his intent to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on 13-21 September.
The Norwegian icon, who has won 5000m gold at the last two World Athletics Championships in Oregon 2022 and Budapest 2023, has yet to race this year due to an Achilles injury.
But he confirmed on Friday (29) via press release and to Norwegian broadcaster NRK his participation in Japan.
"It can't be that difficult"
“It may not be optimal to run a World Championships without competitions in the legs, but it just has to be. I'm going to run. This is what I live for. To compete. It can't be that difficult,” said Ingebrigtsen.
Expanding on his fitness difficulties this year, he paid tribute to his brothers and wider support team for his recovery.
“I have taken the trip down to the injury cellar several times this spring. It has been pitch dark there,” he said.
“Fortunately, I have received very good help from Henrik, Filip and many good physiotherapists, teammates and people in the support system of the national team. I am very grateful for that help, and I am not sure if I would have made it to this championship without them.
“Now we'll see how this goes. I'm really just happy that I made it. But of course I'm not participating just for the sake of participating.”
He has yet to confirm whether he will be taking on the 1500m, 5000m or both events, but there will be huge intrigue around the twice Olympic gold medallist in whatever distances he chooses to compete in.