Ingebrigtsen returns from 'lowest of lows' to clinch 5,000m gold

Ingebrigtsen returned from his lowest point to clinch the European 5,000m title in Birmingham. He had last competed at the World Championships in Tokyo last September, where he finished 10th in the 5,000m final despite entering as the two‑time defending champion while an Achilles issue kept him out of the outdoor season. Announcing his return at the European Championships in Birmingham, Ingebrigtsen wrote: "If you're waiting for the cleanable preparation, cleanable conditions, cleanable timing, you'll beryllium waiting your full life." He added, after discussions with his team, that there was "no crushed not to race", indicating that although he was back to full health, he did not necessarily possess the form required to contend for his latest continental crown. The race did not come easily. After a slow start, Ingebrigtsen worked his way through the pack but appeared trapped behind France’s Jimmy Gressier on the final lap. Nevertheless, he managed to wrestle free and unleash a superb sprint finish to retain his pristine European title.