'Gifted to Me, But I Failed' – Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Reaction to 1500m Heat Loss at 2025 World Athletics Championships

Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen has reacted with raw honesty after suffering a stunning early elimination from the men’s 1500m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 24-year-old Norwegian, widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of his generation, finished a disappointing eighth in his heat and will miss the chance to chase the only major title missing from his glittering career.

Ingebrigtsen had targeted the world outdoor 1500m gold, having previously been beaten by Great Britain’s Josh Kerr and Jake Wightman in the last two editions.

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But the dream of redemption in the same stadium where he captured Olympic glory four years ago came to a premature end.

"I was terrible," Ingebrigtsen told BBC Sport.

"The race itself was perfect, especially how it turned out, it was gifted to me. Unfortunately I have lost too much and I have not been able to prepare."

The Norwegian star has endured an injury-riddled season, spending six months away from competition leading up to Tokyo. His lack of race fitness showed as he faded badly in the final lap, unable to summon his trademark kick.

"Of course I'm disappointed but it's a reality check that it was never really going to happen," he admitted. "I was holding on for dear life because I love to compete. I've been glued to the floor unfortunately. I've not been able to do what is needed, clearly. I just have to look forward."

Ingebrigtsen’s exit has reshaped the medal picture. Great Britain’s defending champion Josh Kerr, 2022 world champion Jake Wightman, and Neil Gourley all advanced comfortably to the semi-finals, giving the team a strong presence heading into Monday’s showdown.

Kerr, who qualified second in his heat, said: "I am coming here as someone who's done it before and I am coming to do it again."

Speaking before Ingebrigtsen’s race, he added, "I don't care who gets through the rounds. The best guys are going to make the final and I'll deal with who I'm going to deal with come Wednesday, but tomorrow night's my number one priority."

The field has been further shaken by the exits of French star Azeddine Habz and Kenya’s rising teenage talent Phanuel Koech, the two fastest 1500m runners in the world this year.

Wightman, who won the heat where Ingebrigtsen faltered, praised his rival’s courage.

"I thought because [Ingebrigtsen] was going to race, he'd be absolutely rolling. I don't think anyone else could have stepped on a start line at a world champs having not raced at all," he said. "I couldn't do it, so fair play to him. It's not even him that is the big danger anymore. It's not just a one or two-horse race, it's probably going to be a 12-horse race by the time the final comes around."

The men’s 1500m semi-finals will be held Monday, with the final scheduled for Wednesday.

All eyes will now be on whether Kerr and Wightman can turn the absence of their fiercest rival into another golden night for British middle-distance running.