Imagine working hard relentlessly to make a mark at the top-level track and field realm. Only to understand that a legend of the sport has become as hungry as ever to be successful! With the new track season coming up, the American middle and long-distance runners are gearing up to compete with the world. While they have been quite confident about their training camp, there is one lurking danger that has put them on notice. 

The undisputed king of the middle and long-distance category, Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen has decided to go full throttle once more this year! Now, speaking of Ingebrigtsen, the 24-year-old has been one of the biggest names in track and field. A look at his career will reveal exactly how big of an impact the Norwegian has had on the sport. 

Ever since his arrival on the international scene, Ingebrigtsen has been raking up victories one after the other. Specializing in the 5000, 3000, and the 1500m category, Ingebrigtsen has been phenomenal. He has won 2 Olympic gold medals and a couple of World Championships gold too, to establish his reign of dominance. 

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has been absolutely dominating the track lately. At just 24 years old, he bagged four gold medals in the Diamond League. But that was only the beginning. When he competed in the European Championships, he walked away with six golds, and he didn’t stop there—he claimed another five at the European Indoor Championships.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen secured the highest pedestal in the 5000-meter run in Paris. Now, after months of his Olympic-winning quest, the new season has kicked off. And amid this, the champion is determined to keep up with the good work. Meanwhile, one of the biggest challenges for him is to overcome the Josh Kerr threat. 

In a recent interview with The Telegraph UK, Ingrebrigtsen seemed confused over Kerr’s strong interest in him. “I don’t know why he’s so focused on me, but I guess it’s because I’m the one to beat,” said the 24-year-old. Surely, with that kind of confidence, we fans might be expecting some big records ahead! But well, like always in true Ingebrigsten fashion, he somehow manages to be humble despite being bold.

In fact, Jakob even acknowledges all his competitors and respects their efforts. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t coming for the big W. In fact, he has even declared, “If I can do what I am capable of, focus on my own journey, and execute that to the best of my ability, it matters not who stands beside me. I am on my own mission.” This simply tells you that while he might not be boasting, he is by no means lacking conviction.

But among all the different rivals he has had and will face, one stands out. And that is his sensational rivalry with Josh Kerr. While it has kept fans of both athletes on the edge of their seats, what truly is cooking between them two?

Is the heated rivalry between Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr boiling over yet again? 

Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr’s rivalry extends way beyond track and field. In fact, it is personal. And Kerr is mincing no words to mask the intensity of the burning fire. For the uninitiated, Ingebrigtsen chose to opt out of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league. This apparently did not sit well with Kerr.

Taking a dig at the Norwegian’s middle-distance abilities, Kerr told the Citius Mag podcast, “If you put him in the 800/1500 group, watching him run the 800 would be like Bambi on ice.” Now then, that is indeed some really strong statement coming from Kerr. His scathing criticism meant the duo were not at loggerheads openly.

And pretty much to the expectations, Jakob Ingebrigtsen did not hold back. Instead, the Norwegian fired back with a brutal response: “The day he contributes to running for world records, I will take him seriously.” Ouch! Ingebrigtsen made it clear. Until Kerr matches his record-breaking achievements, his words don’t hold weight.  

Well, this is just the latest chapter in a rivalry that’s been cooking since the Paris Olympics. It all began when Kerr shocked everyone by toppling Ingebrigtsen off the podium in the 1500m final. Thus, it is evident that both the track stars are at the top of their game, at the moment. Now it remains to be seen how things pan out in the future.