Ingebrigtsen wins seventh European gold despite injury comeback

Norwegian middle-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen has achieved a remarkable comeback, securing his seventh European Championship gold medal in the 1500 meters. The victory comes after a challenging year marked by Achilles tendon surgery and a prolonged absence from competition.

Ingebrigtsen, who underwent surgery earlier in the year, had not competed at all in 2024 until the European Championships. He entered the event as the defending champion, utilizing a wildcard entry. His form and readiness were uncertain, even to himself, leading up to the race.

Despite the doubts, Ingebrigtsen delivered a dominant performance, remaining undefeated at the European Championships. His win in the 1500m ties him with Sandra Elkasevic, the Croatian discus thrower, as the sole record holder in the athletics European Championships history with seven gold medals.

"Every day, every minute, I doubted myself, almost until the last lap," Ingebrigtsen shared after his victory. "Rising from the deepest depths to become European champion again means so much. I didn't believe this could happen when I arrived here."

Looking ahead, Ingebrigtsen has decided not to compete in the 3000m event at the Birmingham European Championships, opting to focus solely on his 1500m title defense. This decision suggests a strategic approach to managing his recovery and ensuring peak performance in his primary event.

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Every day, every minute, I doubted myself, almost until the last lap. Rising from the deepest depths to become European champion again means so much. I didn't believe this could happen when I arrived here.