Olympic record holder disappoints again at 1,500m world

Hungary For the second consecutive time, Norwegian athlete Jakob Ingebrigtsen lost to his British opponent in the 1,500m race at the World Championships, when he finished behind Josh Kerr in the final in Budapest 2023.

Ingebrigtsen is the favourite for the 1,500m gold medal at Budapest 2023, having won the 2021 Olympics in 3:28.32, setting an Olympic and European record. He also holds the indoor world record for the distance, 3:30.60, set in France in February 2022.

On the Budapest track yesterday, May 23, Ingebrigtsen proved his position by taking the lead on the final lap. But Kerr kept up the pace and caught up with 200 meters from the finish, then won in a personal best (PB) of 3 minutes 29 seconds 38.

Ker (center) is elated after beating Ingebrigtsen in the final 200 meters to win the men's 1,500m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest on August 23. Photo: World Athletics — Ker (center) is elated after beating Ingebrigtsen in the final 200 meters to win the men's 1,500m at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest on August 23. Photo: *World Athletics*

Ingebrigtsen, a 21-year-old Norwegian runner, finished second in 3:29.65 and compatriot Narve Gilje Nordas - who is coached by Ingebrigtsen's father - won bronze in 3:29.68.

The scenario was similar to Eugene 2022, when Ingebrigtsen led on the final lap. But British athlete Jake Wightman came away in the last 200m to win gold in 3:29.23, with Ingebrigtsen finishing second in 3:29.47.

British newspaper Sportmail commented that Kerr had a day of competition and experienced the most memorable night of his career when he won the gold medal at Budapest 2023. This is the second world medal for the 25-year-old athlete after the bronze medal in the 1,500m event at Tokyo 2021, when he finished behind the champion Ingebrigtsen and Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya.

Kerr also brought home Britain's fourth medal at Budapest 2023, after Katarina Mary Johnson-Thompson won heptathlon gold, Lewis Davey, Laviai Nelson, Rio Mitcham and Yemi Mary John won 4x400m medley relay silver and Zharnel Hughes won men's 100m bronze.

"I've been to four major finals and won bronze, so I knew it was time for me to go for gold," Kerr said after her win. "You're underestimated, you go out and take what's yours. It's been a long journey to get here and it's surreal to be in this position and I'm enjoying every moment."

Josh Kerr beats Ingebrigtsen in 1,500m final — Josh Kerr beat Ingebrigtsen in the 1,500m final.

Meanwhile, Ingebrigtsen felt unlucky to win the silver medal but still congratulated Kerr on her good performance to win the championship. The Norwegian athlete revealed that he had a sore throat since the semi-finals and was not in the best physical condition and form for the final night.

Ingebrigtsen will compete in the 5,000m qualifying round today, aiming to defend his title in the final on August 27. Last year, he won gold in this distance in 13 minutes, 9.24 seconds, becoming the first European-born runner to win the 5,000m since Irishman Eamonn Coghlan at the 1983 World Championships.

Hong Duy

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