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Figure caption,Ingebrigtsen storms to 5,000m win
ByCraig Nelson and Harry PooleBBC Sport Journalists- Published10 minutes ago
Jakob Ingebrigtsen has withdrawn from the 1500m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, putting his reunion with rival Josh Kerr on hold.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."
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jakob Ingebrigtsen won the 1500m Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games and the 5,000m title at the 2024 Olympics in Paris
It did not take long for Ingebrigtsen to make a statement following his return - both on and off the track.
After winning European 5,000m gold in his first race since the World Championships in September 2025, Ingebrigtsen reignited his war of words with Kerr.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ingebrigtsen criticised Kerr's decision to miss the Europeans, claiming athletes who choose to miss major competitions are "ruining" the sport.
In Budapest on Sunday, he was set for an eagerly anticipated first head-to-head against 2023 world champion Kerr in two years.
Kerr has since responded to those comments, saying Ingebrigtsen's return was "great" for the event - but added that he could "foresee some struggling" for his rival as he continues to rebuild his fitness.
Sunday's men's 1500m final will still pit Kerr against a world-class line-up including Olympic champion Cole Hocker and bronze medallist Yared Nuguse, reigning world champion Isaac Nader, and 2022 world champion Jake Wightman.
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Ingebrigtsen believes comments 'misunderstood'
Earlier, Ingebrigtsen said he believes he has been "misunderstood" after being criticised for his recent comments, which also included branding his rivals "losers" and "a bunch of cowards".
Those comments came after he attempted to front-run the Diamond League Final but faded to fourth, with the Norwegian angry at his rivals - particularly Hocker - for their reluctance to push the pace.
Speaking after winning the 5,000m title on Friday, Ingebrigtsen said: "I think it's misunderstood just because you ask a question and because you are critical to someone's [actions].
"I think it's what we have to do. We have to have an open dialogue and communication on things that we feel are right or wrong.
"If opening your mouth is creating a war or a fight, then that's not my problem."
The World Athletics Ultimate Championship continues in Budapest on Saturday, when Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter Bell, Amy Hunt and Matthew Hudson-Smith will be among those hoping to land the sport's newest global prize.
