3:26.73 – Jakob Ingebrigtsen blazes past the finish line at the magnificent Stade Louis II in Monaco. The rivalry between the middle-distance runner and Josh Kerr has only intensified over the years. The last time the two locked horns was at the 2024 Diamond League Prefontaine Classic. Kerr sped past his competitors clocking in an impressive 3:45:34 seconds, while Ingebrigtsen trailed behind him in second place with 3:45:60 seconds.

The Olympic 1500m champion was looking for redemption at the Wanda Diamond League meet in Monaco. But to his dismay, Kerr didn’t show up for yet another showdown. However, Ingebrigtsen didn’t let this deter him. The middle-distance runner’s time has earned him the title of the 3rd fastest man on the all-time list. Not only did he set a new world lead, but he also set a new European record. Kenya’s Timothy Cheruiyot trailed behind clocking in 3:28:71 seconds and Brian Komen finished third with 3:28:80 seconds on the clock!

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s moment to shine in Monaco

With Josh Kerr not competing in the men’s 1500m event in Monaco, Jakob Ingebrigtsen was up against another nemesis Timothy Cheruiyot. As the men lined up for the event, the Norwegian seemed to be locked in on his goal: clinching a gold. As the bell went off, so did the Olympian 5000m champion. With a strong start, he was leading the race, leaving no room for error. He then kicked it up a knotch, leaving his competitors behind.

As he blazed past the final 100m, the others were slowly catching up. But Ingebrigtsen kept pushing and blazed past the finish line clocking in a world leading 3:26:73 seconds. He shaved off a second from his own European record while effortlessly setting a new personal best. With this impressive time, the Norwegian has now become the fourth man to break the 3:27 barrier in history. Ingebrigtsen was truly on a roll in Monaco!

The Norwegian last locked horns with Cheruiyot in the 2021 Olympic 1500m finals at the Japan National Stadium. In a thrilling race, Ingebrigtsen and Cheruiyot battled it out for the coveted gold. The Norwegian dominated the tracks, but the Kenyan was hot on his heels! In a now iconic photo finish, Jakob’s time led him to win Norway’s first medal in the event. He finished the race with an impressive 3:28.32 seconds on the clock.

Cheruiyot had to settle for a silver, clocking in 3:29.01 seconds. While Josh Kerr’s 3:29.05 nabbed him the final spot on the podium, making this Great Britain’s first 1500m medal since 1988. While Kerr didn’t face Ingebrigtsen in Monaco this time around, they have had an arduously long history. How has their on track rivalry reflected off the track? Let’s find out!

An iconic track rivalry for the books

Their rivalry sprouted from Kerr’s upset win in the 1500m finals at the 2023 Budapest World Championship. While Ingebrigtsen stated he was sick in his post interview, Kerr certainly felt otherwise. Despite having respect for each other as competitors, they continued to challenge each other off the track. Their recent spat came about earlier this year. Kerr happened to pass a few comments about the Ingebrigtsen family, and Jakob did not take this in his stride.

While he accused the Scottish middle-runner of being a “coward“, Kerr had his own reasons for this. FloTrack invited him to dissect his relationship with the Norwegian. When asked about his comments on Spotify’s Sunday Podcast, Kerr stated, “”No we’re not friends, we don’t hang out, we don’t text, we race each other and that’s our relationship.” He further elaborated by stating he doesn’t know how to explain their relationship. According to him, they’re both fierce competitors looking to the best in the world.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen will want to keep this momentum going as he heads to the French capital. But we will witness him lock horns with Olympic bronze medalist, Josh Kerr. While Jakob is the reigning Olympic champion, Kerr has always dreamed of winning an Olympic gold since he was 12. With just 13 days to go, will we watch Ingebrigtsen retain his title, or will Kerr fulfil his childhood dream with an upset win? Only time will tell. Stay tuned!