Ingebrigtsen disappointed by Kerr's absence at European Championships

Norwegian runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen voiced strong disappointment over the absence of his rival, Josh Kerr, at the European Championships. Ingebrigtsen believes that athletes who opt out of major competitions are detrimental to the sport's integrity.

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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," Ingebrigtsen told the BBC. "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."

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It's not for us as athletes to choose almost where to participate.

Kerr, who recently broke the 27-year-old mile world record and won gold at the Commonwealth Games, decided to skip the European Championships to manage his training load. Ingebrigtsen, however, finds this approach unacceptable, stating, "I could never see myself in that position."

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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.

The rivalry between Ingebrigtsen, a double Olympic gold medalist, and Kerr has intensified over the years, marked by public exchanges where both athletes have questioned each other's capabilities. Ingebrigtsen is not competing in the 1,500 meters at the current meet, the event where his rivalry with Kerr is most prominent.

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We all have different plans, but I could never see myself in that position.