"It was terrible": Running superstar experiences a World Championship debacle after a year of plague

"It was terrible" Running superstar experiences a World Championship debacle after a year of plague 14.09.2025, 06:29 Uhr

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has been unable to compete in athletics for the entire year due to long-term health problems. Instead, the court case against his father dominates the headlines. The Norwegian competes on the track for the first time at the World Championships in Tokyo – and is eliminated in the preliminary round.

Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen suffered a surprise defeat at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Norwegian was eliminated in the 1500-meter preliminary heat five days before his 25th birthday. The exceptional runner had not yet competed in the outdoor season due to an Achilles tendon injury. In his preliminary heat, he finished only eighth in 3:37.84 minutes.

Nevertheless, Ingebrigtsen is still aiming for his gold hat trick in the 5000 meters in Japan. "I'll recover and have a few good days before I compete again and try again," said the 24-year-old, referring to Friday's heats over this distance: "Everything is a test. I tried my best to get to the semifinals, but it was terrible."

The Ingebrigtsen family has been the subject of much commotion this year. The father of the world-class runner was largely acquitted in Norway of allegations of violence against several of his children. Father of seven, Gjert Ingebrigtsen, was convicted of intentionally hitting his then-15-year-old daughter in the face with a towel during an argument. He received a suspended 15-day prison sentence and must pay compensation equivalent to approximately €870.

Farken continues confidently despite anger over circumstances

However, the 59-year-old was acquitted of other charges – including violence against Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Jakob Ingebrigtsen is one of Scandinavia's most famous athletes and one of the biggest stars in the world of track and field. Accordingly, there was a great deal of attention surrounding his father, who had long trained Jakob and other of his running children until the family rift following the towel incident with his daughter. In court, the 59-year-old was accused of both physical and psychological violence against Jakob and his now 19-year-old sister. Gjert Ingebrigtsen has consistently denied the allegations.

Leipzig's Robert Farken advanced safely. A time of 3:42.06 minutes in his preliminary heat was enough for second place and qualification for the semifinals, which will take place on Monday (2:30 p.m. German time/ARD) . "I had a bit of trouble getting the excitement going. Even though it's a World Championship, it's my longest season," said the 27-year-old, referring to the late start of the World Championships. "Keeping the excitement going for so long is a new challenge, but obviously my body turned the corner in time."

Like long jump star Malaika Mihambo and sprinter Gina Lückenkemper before him, Farken expressed dissatisfaction with the organization of the championships. "It's a stressful World Championship: long distances, difficult to organize the warm-up with a warm-up stadium 15 minutes away from the stadium. It's a challenge for all of us, but the conditions are the same for everyone."