Jakob Ingebrigtsen to Make European Championships Return in Birmingham

Ingebrigtsen Teases Return for European Champs in Birmingham

Jakob Ingebrigtsen, two-time Olympic champion and three-time European double gold medalist, confirms his participation in the upcoming 2026 European Athletics Championships to be held from August 10th in Birmingham.

The Norwegian athlete has been out of competition since suffering an Achilles injury earlier this year. In a recent social media post, Ingebrigtsen teased his return with a casual comment: “I’ve heard Birmingham is nice this time of year…”

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s European Track Record

Ingebrigtsen has previously dominated the European Championships, winning double gold in the 1500m and 5000m at each of the last three editions. His return is likely to focus on the 5000m given his past successes in the Berlin, Munich, and Rome events.

Upcoming Challenges

The Scot's Josh Kerr, a two-time European silver medalist, may not pursue a direct rivalry with Ingebrigtsen for the short distance. Kerr has recently achieved an impressive mile world record but opted out of the championships to prioritize Commonwealth Games preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 European Championships taking place?

Who are some other notable athletes participating at the championships?

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and Dina Asher-Smith, both seeking to defend their European titles, have been named among a strong British contingent. Katarina Johnson-Thompson will return from injury to compete in the heptathlon.