The Norwegian middle- and long-distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen appears set to make his comeback in Birmingham next month, as the European Athletics Championships arrive at Alexander Stadium on 10 August.
Back from surgery and an extended lay-off
Ingebrigtsen has not run competitively in 2026 after undergoing an operation earlier in the year to treat an Achilles problem that also disrupted his 2025 season. The 25-year-old, a two-time Olympic champion, has been largely absent from the circuit while recovering from the procedure and subsequent rehabilitation.
He appears to have confirmed his intention to compete in Birmingham via a social media post, offering a light-hearted nod to the host city:
“I’ve heard Birmingham is nice this time of year…”
Sources indicate he is most likely to contest the 5,000 metres rather than the 1,500m, where his long-standing rivalry with Scot Josh Kerr will not be renewed at these championships. Kerr has chosen not to compete, having prioritised the Commonwealth Games.
What his participation would mean locally
Ingebrigtsen has won both the 1,500m and 5,000m at each of the last three European Championships, completing the double in Berlin, Munich and Rome. His presence would bring a major marquee name to Birmingham at a championships the city is staging for the first time.
- Event starts: 10 August at Alexander Stadium
- Likely event for Ingebrigtsen: 5,000m
- Home favourites named: Keely Hodgkinson, Dina Asher-Smith, Katarina Johnson‑Thompson, Amy Hunt
| Championship | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Berlin | Completed 1,500m & 5,000m double |
| Munich | Completed 1,500m & 5,000m double |
| Rome | Completed 1,500m & 5,000m double |
While Ingebrigtsen’s form after surgery remains to be seen, his absence from competition through much of this year followed a difficult spell at last year’s world championships in Tokyo, where he placed 10th in the 5,000m and did not advance from the 1,500m heats. For Birmingham organisers and local athletics supporters, confirmation of his start would be a significant boost to ticket interest and the profile of the meet.
Great Britain’s line-up and local context
Great Britain have named a high-profile squad for the championships. Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson is set to defend her 800m title, while sprint star Dina Asher‑Smith will contest the 100m. Heptathlete Katarina Johnson‑Thompson — who missed the 2024 edition through injury and won silver at the Paris Olympics — is also included. Sprinter Amy Hunt, who won 200m silver at last year’s world championships, will contest both the 100m and 200m.
With the championships taking place in Birmingham for the first time, the local staging of a continental event of this scale marks a significant moment for the city’s sporting calendar. Any final confirmation of Ingebrigtsen’s entry and race schedule will be closely watched by organisers, spectators and rival teams alike.
Tickets and full event schedules are available through the championships’ official channels; athletes’ final declarations are typically confirmed in the weeks leading up to the start of competition.
