Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen is now a household name in the middle- and long-distance events. He will be participating in the Munich 2022 European Athletics Championships as he makes an attempt to defend the 1500m and 5000m titles he won as a 17-year-old at the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships. The East Africans who are his main rivals will of course not be at the event. Even with their presence, he won the 5000 meters at the world athletics championship in Oregon.
Is it going to be a walk in the pack for Ingebrigsten at the European stage?

He was beaten to the 1500 meters title by Jake Wightman at the world championship. Jake Wightman has decided to run only in the 800 meters. The absence of the British runner will make Ingebrigtsen race easier. But there are still some threats from Mario Garcia who finished fourth in the 1500 meters in Oregon. The British are coming with a strong contingent of athletes like Hake Heyward and Neil Gourley who can surprise Ingebrigtsen. But in all honesty, the Olympic and European record holder of the 1500 meters is a clear favourite.

The 5000 meters will see some challenge from Mohammed Katir of Spain and another Spaniard, Adel Mechaal. What to you think? Will the Norwegian defend both the 1500 meters and 5000 meters at the European Championship? Let us know your thoughts.
#Jakob Ingebrigtsen