The Norwegian superstar aims to dominate many sports in track and field, but his immediate focus is on the 1500m in Brussels.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen believes he has “a good shot at breaking many world records” and that “the 1500m world record is a much bigger challenge than the 3000m”.
ahead Diamond League Finals in BrusselsThe Norwegian spoke of his ambitions to set up to 10 world records in his career, which essentially means everything from the 1500m to the marathon.
Ingebrigtsen holds the indoor world record for 1500m, both 2000m and 3000m, as well as the world best over two miles.
in the Silesian Diamond League, The 23-year-old smashed Daniel Komen’s 1996 3000m world record of 7:20.67, considered one of the toughest marks ever to break, with an incredible 7:17.55.
Ingebrigtsen crossed the line with his mouth wide open, showing that even the Norwegian was stunned to break it with that much.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen (River)
She is now wrapping up her 1500m season at the Memorial Van Damme Stadium but doesn’t want to stretch too much. Hicham El Gerouj’s 1500m world record: 3:26.00a sign that has been maintained since 1998.
Ingebrigtsen, who is fourth on the all-time list with a time of 3:26.73, said the factors contributing to a possible world record, in addition to the conditions, were “fitness, pace, splits and maybe the time of year.”
He added: “The 1500m mark is not easily overcome, and statistically it has been impossible for many years. There’s always a chance, but it probably won’t happen in Brussels.”
The Norwegian also did not get involved in talk of a potential half-marathon debut in Copenhagen on September 15, stating: “I’m focused on the 1500m, but what I do after that I don’t know.”
This is what he said at the press conference ahead of the Brussels Diamond League.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen (River)
You know you hold three world records, how many do you think you can break and what will it take to break them?
I think it is possible to break every record. They are world records for a reason because they are the best performances by an athlete in history. But we’ve seen over the last few years that they can win. However, you can’t just wake up and jump into the race to do this. Everything should be consistent. You may need to make a few attempts to get everything perfect.
If I am at my best and can get a chance in different events, I have a good chance of breaking many world records. However, there is still plenty of time in my career to do that. I already have a few attempts so that’s a good start.
READ MORE. Why El Guerrouj’s 1500m record has stood the test of time
What do you do in training that makes you think longer distances like 10km and half marathons are possible?
As you know, I come from a philosophy based on strength, a lot of running and doing a lot of work around the threshold. At the same time, it (longer distances) is not on my mind right now. I hope to win the 1500m here in Brussels.
If the conditions are good, what are the factors that would make you think that the 1500m world record is possible?
There’s fitness, rhythm, splits, and maybe a season. There is always a chance to break them, but they are not easy. Of course, I’d like to run as many shots as I can as fast as possible, but it’s also about being realistic. Talking about it so much destroys the value of the world record. The 1500m mark is not easy to beat and has been statistically impossible for many years. There’s always a chance, but it probably won’t happen in Brussels.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen (River)
You got a cold in Zurich, so how do you feel and are you more motivated after that? Behind Jared Nugus for second.
I don’t think I lack motivation. I always want to compete because that is the reward for all my training. At the same time, it’s no fun to do something when you’re feeling extra tired or a little off the game. After a few days back home in Norway (the cold) it calmed down a bit and I had some good sessions on the track. I am ready for Brussels and I want to show my good side.
Where would you rank in your career breaking Daniel Komen’s 3000m world record?
It was a very good race and I felt great, so all the ingredients were there for me to run that fast. At the same time, it all depends on who is watching and experiencing it. For me, that record was too strong based on the statistics of the number of athletes who tried to break it, but it was great for me both in terms of distance and speed.
Of course, it seems easier that way because I fit in so well. The 1500m world record is a much bigger challenge for me. The bigger the challenge, the better it will be to crack it. But it still all depends on the perspective. For me it is for others.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen (River)
Are you a data-driven athlete from training? Do you see improvements in this and with that cumulative training do you expect to be better again next year?
Undoubtedly. With our working philosophy, everything is one year, two years, three years, four years. Eventually, we figured the threshold speed we could run for an hour would hit the roof. Even if the gains are marginal though you are still improving and it makes you stronger. You can also look at things like recovery. I feel like I’m improving every year, so I see no reason why it can’t continue next year.
READ MORE. 10 to watch in Brussels
It’s also important not to have big setbacks because it’s important to have that simulation month after month and year after year over a longer period of time. So I will be working over the next few months and through the winter to be better prepared for 2025.
What do you think about the 2025 Tokyo World Cup?
I was lucky to be able to participate in the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but in the current situation, of course, it was difficult to get all the experience. So I’m looking forward to experiencing the people, the culture and the city more this time. I have fond memories of Japan and can’t wait to go back.
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