Jakob Ingebrigtsen returns from injury for the European Athletics Championship

Norwegian track and field star Jakob Ingebrigtsen looks set to return to the track for the European Championships in Birmingham after undergoing Achilles tendon surgery and not competing in 2026. The 25-year-old, who has won double gold medals in the 1500m and 5000m at the last three European Championships, has hinted at his return on social media.

“I hear Birmingham is nice this time of year”, wrote Jakob Ingebrigtsen on Instagram, hinting at his participation.

The two-time Olympic champion was not at his best at the World Championships in Tokyo last year due to Achilles problems. He finished 10th in the 5000m and failed to advance past the first round of the 1,500m. Jakob Ingebrigtsen has achieved a double in his events in Berlin, Munich and Rome, and remains unbeaten at the European Championships.

The 2026 edition of the championships begins in Birmingham on August 10. Although Jakob Ingebrigtsen is more likely to compete in the 5,000m, he could renew his rivalry with Josh Kerr over the shorter distance.

The Scot is still chasing a first European title and recently broke the world record in the mile in London. However, he will have a busy schedule, as the event comes shortly after the Commonwealth Games.

Keeley Hodgkinson is among the British stars expected to compete in front of a home crowd next month.