Achieving a time of 3:45.14 for the mile, Ingebrigtsen surpassed Yared Nuguse’s record from just five days earlier by more than a second. Not stopping there, he also set a new indoor 1,500-meter record, completing the distance in 3:29.63. As Ingebrigtsen explained, his primary goal was to break the 3:30 mark for the 1,500m and then maintain his pace to the finish line. The 24-year-old Norwegian expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, ‘Of course, I’m happy.’
Ingebrigtsen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, led the race from the start, running mostly solo for the eight laps on the 200-meter track. By the end, he held a commanding lead, finishing a significant 50 meters ahead of his closest competitors, Stefan Nillessen of the Netherlands and Cathal Doyle from Ireland. This was a stark contrast to the race in New York where Nuguse faced stiff competition from Hobbs Kessler.
Ingebrigtsen’s achievement adds to his impressive portfolio of records, as he already holds the 3,000-meter world record and best times for the two miles and 2,000 meters. His ongoing rivalry with athletes like Nuguse and Britain’s Josh Kerr remains a point of interest, particularly as they prepare for the world championships in Tokyo.
Reflecting on his race, Ingebrigtsen emphasized the importance of testing his training and fitness levels. He remarked, ‘This race was all about seeing where I’m at.’ Notably, he is the first athlete since 1954 to set world records for both the mile and 1,500 meters in the same race, mirroring the achievement of Australian John Landy. The times set by Ingebrigtsen will be officially recognized after ratification by World Athletics.
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Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s record-breaking performance in Liévin highlights his exceptional talent and determination. As he continues to push boundaries in middle-distance running, his future races promise to be thrilling spectacles. His success not only demonstrates his individual prowess but also invigorates the competitive landscape in athletics.
