Jakob Ingebrigtsen returns with a win at the European Championships
The 30th European Championship in Antalya provided unforgettable moments After retiring, the Olympic 5,000m champion reclaimed the senior men’s title with a performance that reminded everyone why he remains Europe’s long-distance king.
From the beginning, Ingebrigtsen was patient. Great Britain’s Hugo Milner took an early lead, setting a blistering pace, and Ingebrigtsen, known for his tactical brilliance, did not sink. He stayed within striking distance, moving effortlessly through the pack as the race unfolded, with Italy’s Yeoman Crippa the only one still challenging him. and win by nine seconds. It was clinical. It was classic Jacob.
The victory marked his third senior European title, adding to his wins in 2021 and 2022. It also capped off another remarkable season in which he secured Olympic gold in the 5000m. Few athletes have the versatility, endurance and tact with the skills needed to excel at the highest level in both disciplines.
Kripa, a two-time under-20 champion, won his first senior medal with Belgium’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo in the team event, with Spain taking silver and Great Britain finishing on the podium.
Although Ingebrigtsen’s victory was the lead, the championships had much more to offer. Italy’s Nadia Battocletti improved on her silver from last year, becoming the first woman ever to secure titles in the under-20, under-23 and senior categories. : Her strong finish left Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen and Turkey’s Yasem Can fighting for the rest. for medals.
Great Britain again dominated the team event, winning 12 medals, including six gold. Their rising stars shone brightly. Innes Fitzgerald defended her under-20 title with a commanding run, while team-mate Jess Bailey took silver to ensure a 1-2 finish for Britain. Phoebe Anderson won gold in the under-23 race to lead the field.
Will Barnicoat added another title for Great Britain by winning the men’s under-23 race, defending the title he claimed last year. His rivalry with Ireland’s Nick Griggs continued as Barnicoat pulled away in the closing meters to secure victory once again.
Meanwhile, in the under-20 men’s race, Dutchman Nils Laros, fresh off a strong season on the track, outlasted Great Britain’s George Cootey with a thrilling sprint finish, Laros’ composure and finish cemented his status as one of Europe’s most promising young runners.
The championships proved that European long-distance running remains as competitive as ever. The rising stars announced themselves, the experienced veterans added to their legacy. However, one constant in all the stories remained, Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the front, once again showing why he is the undisputed star of European distance running.
His win in Antalya wasn’t just a race win, it was a reminder that even after setbacks, his talent, skill and tactical brilliance have been anything but ordinary a sign there is much more to come.
