European Athletics Championships 2026: Jakob Ingebrigtsen 'disappointed' by rival Josh Kerr's absence

Jakob Ingebrigtsen said he was “very” disappointed that Britain’s Josh Kerr will not compete at the European Athletics Championships. After 11 months out of action following Achilles surgery, the 25-year-old returned on Monday to win the 5,000m in a standout performance, also making him the joint-most successful athlete in European Championships history. Ingebrigtsen said Kerr is “ruining” the sport by choosing to skip major events, arguing championships exist for the best athletes to race. Kerr recently set a mile world record lasting 27 years and won Commonwealth gold in Glasgow, but indicated Europeans were not planned this season.