Norwegian bounces back from 1500m defeat to win over longer distance with ease on the final evening at the 2024 Games
With a dominant victory in the 5000m on the final night of track and field action at the Paris Olympics, Jakob Ingebrigtsen fuelled theories that he might focus on longer distances at future championships.
After lacking the home straight firepower in recent global 1500m finals – including these Games when he finished outside the medals – the Norwegian seems more comfortable at 5000m, toying with his rivals as he cruises to victory.
On Saturday they played into his hands, too, by failing to set a fierce enough pace that might test him. The 23-year-old only needed to run 13:13.66 to win as Ronald Kwemoi of Kenya took silver in 13:13.66 and Grant fisher of the United States came from eighth with 250m to go to earn bronze in 13:15.13.
Dominic Lobalu of the refugee team was fourth in 13:15.27 and Hagos Gebrhiwet of Ethiopia fifth in 13:15.32.
Gebrhiwet looked dangerous when he burst into the lead with 600m to go. Ingebrigtsen was in seventh and boxed and, when he got himself out of trouble, the Ethiopian went through the bell with a few metres’ lead.
Ingebrigtsen made his 53-second last lap look easy, however, as he cruised past the tiring Gebrhiwet with 200m to go, came into the home straight with a lead and extended it in the final 100m.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen leads Hagos Gebrhiwet (Getty)
Ingebrigtsen seemed to enjoy himself in front of a crowd that included French President Emmanuel Macron. He said: “The 5000m is over triple my usual distance, so it was a very tough race. With the level being so high, people are running so fast this year, I knew I had to be at my very best to be able to fight for medals.
“I was a little bit of locked on the inside, it opened quite a big gap. I just tried to stay calm, went for it, I was able to catch up. Just an amazing feeling. The contrast in sports is unique. When you succeed, and sometimes you have a bad experience. It’s amazing to have this.”
On coming back from his 1500m defeat, he added: “Not only sports, but in life. You feel that you succeed, you’re in a good rhythm, it’s motivation. When you hit a wall, and don’t perform the way you want to, it’s very difficult. But for me, I’m participating in two events in Paris. I got another shot, I just had to make the most of it.”
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