European Athletics Championships 2026: Jakob Ingebrigtsen claims stunning 5,000m gold on injury return

Ingebrigtsen’s last competitive race was at the World Championships in Tokyo last September.

He finished 10th in the 5,000m final, having lined up as the two-time defending champion despite his Achilles issue preventing him from competing during the outdoor season.

Announcing his return at the European Championships in Birmingham, Ingebrigtsen wrote: “If you’re waiting for the perfect preparation, perfect conditions, perfect timing, you’ll be waiting your whole life.”

He said, following discussions with his team, that there was “no reason not to race”, suggesting that while he was back to full health, he was not necessarily in shape to compete for his latest continental title.

He did not make it easy for himself. After a slow start, Ingebrigtsen began to make his way through the pack but seemed to be stuck behind France’s Jimmy Gressier on the final lap.

However, he was able to wrestle his way through before producing a superb sprint finish to keep his pristine European record intact.