Jakob Ingebrigtsen reveals conditions for breaking 1500m world record

Jakob Ingebrigtsen reveals conditions for breaking 1500m world record

Festus Chuma 05:30 - 13.09.2024

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is preparing for a highly anticipated 1500-meter showdown at the Brussels Diamond League against top competitors.

Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen is preparing for a showdown at the Brussels Diamond League on Friday where he will face a highly competitive field in the 1500 meters.

The Norwegian sensation, who boasts a personal best of 3:26.73 in the event, just 0.73 seconds shy of Hicham El Guerrouj’s historic world record, will be up against familiar rivals including two American runners who have recently gotten the better of him.

Cole Hocker, the newly crowned Olympic champion in the 1500 meters from Paris, and Yared Nuguse, who beat Ingebrigtsen at last week’s Wanda Diamond League meeting in Zurich, will both be looking to challenge him again.

Despite these recent defeats, Ingebrigtsen remains confident about his chances, yet realistic about the factors that need to align for a world record attempt.

"I feel good and I am looking forward to competing tomorrow in a strong field," said Ingebrigtsen, speaking ahead of Friday's race.

The Norwegian star emphasized that there is more than just a win at stake with the prestigious Wanda Diamond League trophy also up for grabs.

However, he was quick to note that simply running a fast race might not be the key to victory.

“No, the speed doesn’t matter tomorrow [Friday]," Ingebrigtsen explained when asked if a quick pace would be necessary to fend off his American competitors.

"You have to take many factors into account. If there is a lot of wind, it is not wise to take the lead quickly, for example. You have to make the right decisions in the race."

Ingebrigtsen’s approach to the 1500 meters has always been methodical, with a strong emphasis on tactics rather than simply relying on raw speed.

With weather conditions, pacemaking, and even the time of the season playing crucial roles, Ingebrigtsen is aware that his strategy will be key if he wants to return to the top of the podium.

“There is therefore no point in talking about the world record,” the 23-year-old said, downplaying expectations for Friday’s race.

“Of course I would like to break it. And not just the 1500 meters. But that depends on the weather conditions, the form of the day, the pacemakers, the intermediate times, the moment in the season.”

The world record for the 1500 meters, set by El Guerrouj in 1998 with a time of 3:26.00, is regarded as one of the toughest records to beat in track and field history. While Ingebrigtsen has come tantalizingly close, he understands the magnitude of the challenge.

"The world record has stood for so long. It is a particularly strong record. Not impossible to break, but very difficult. Statistically speaking, the chance that it will not happen tomorrow is much greater than that it will happen."

Ingebrigtsen’s recent performance in Paris, where he finished fourth in the 1500 meters but went on to win gold in the 5000 meters, has fueled speculation about whether his focus might be shifting to longer distances.

However, the Norwegian remains committed to the 1500 meters and insists that breaking the world record is still a goal — albeit one that requires the perfect set of circumstances.

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