Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s shock exit from the men’s 1500m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo has left the Olympic champion reflecting on missed opportunities and unfinished business.
The Norwegian star, widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of his generation, finished a disappointing eighth in his heat, ending his quest for the one title missing from his glittering career. Having previously been denied world outdoor gold by Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman, this championship was meant to be his chance at redemption. Instead, it ended prematurely in the same stadium where he captured Olympic glory four years ago.
“I was terrible,” Ingebrigtsen admitted. “The race itself was perfect, it was gifted to me. Unfortunately, I have lost too much and I have not been able to prepare.”
Ingebrigtsen has battled an injury-riddled season, spending six months away from competition. The lack of sharpness was evident in Tokyo as he faded badly on the final lap, unable to summon the trademark finishing kick that has defined his career.
“Of course I’m disappointed but it’s a reality check that it was never really going to happen,” he added. “I was holding on for dear life because I love to compete. I’ve not been able to do what is needed, clearly. I just have to look forward.”
His elimination reshaped the championship picture, opening the door for a strong British trio. Defending champion Josh Kerr, 2022 world champion Jake Wightman, and Neil Gourley all advanced comfortably to the semi-finals, putting Britain in a powerful position heading into the decisive stages. Kerr expressed quiet confidence, stating he has “done it before and will do it again,” while Wightman praised Ingebrigtsen’s courage for even stepping on the start line after a long layoff.
The men’s 1500m field is now wide open following the exits of Ingebrigtsen, French star Azeddine Habz, and Kenya’s teenage talent Phanuel Koech, the two fastest runners in the world this year. What was once expected to be a battle between a handful of rivals is shaping up into an unpredictable showdown where as many as a dozen athletes could realistically contend for gold.
The semi-finals take place Monday, with the final set for Wednesday. With Ingebrigtsen out, attention now turns to whether Britain’s stars can turn this rare opportunity into another golden moment in middle-distance running history.
