Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is “very” disappointed Britain’s Josh Kerr is not competing at the European Championships, claiming that athletes who choose to miss major competitions are “ruining” the sport.
Ingebrigtsen secured a stunning 5,000m gold on his long-awaited return from injury on Monday, becoming the joint-most successful athlete in European Championships history.
After 11 months out of competition, during which he underwent surgery on his Achilles, the 25-year-old wasted no time in reigniting his fierce rivalry with Kerr.
Last month, Kerr smashed the mile world record, which had stood for 27 years, before winning Commonwealth gold over the distance on home soil in Glasgow.
The Scot made clear the Europeans were never part of his plans this season, but Ingebrigtsen believes Kerr should have been able to include it in his schedule.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Ingebrigtsen was complimentary of Kerr’s record-breaking performance in London but said he “could never” prioritise a time over a title.
“Of course I am going to go for times, but I don’t think you have to do one or the other,” Ingebrigtsen said.
Asked if he was disappointed Kerr is not racing in Birmingham, he added: “Very – and I think a lot of people should be, because that is what championships are all about.
“It’s not for us as athletes to choose almost where to participate. We have these championships for a reason, and that is for the best athletes to compete – that is the whole point.
“So I definitely think it is ruining the sport if we are not participating. We all have different plans, but I could never see myself in that position.”
