Ingebrigtsen disappointed by Kerr’s absence at European Championships

Jakob Ingebrigtsen expressed disappointment over the absence of fellow 1,500 metres competitor Josh Kerr at the European Championships. Ingebrigtsen, a double Olympic gold medallist, warned that when top athletes skip major competitions, the sport suffers. Kerr set the world record in the mile in July and won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games earlier this month.

However, Kerr chose to miss the European Championships to manage his workload. Ingebrigtsen stated, "Very - and I think a lot of people should be, because that is what championships are all about." He emphasized that athletes should not have the choice to decide where to participate. Ingebrigtsen, who will not compete in the 1,500 at the meet, added, "We have these championships for a reason, and that is for the best athletes to compete - that is the whole point."

The rivalry between the two athletes has been ongoing, with Ingebrigtsen once calling Kerr "just the next guy" and boasting he could outpace him, while Kerr has pointed out Ingebrigtsen's weaknesses. Kerr's management declined to comment to Reuters.