This is the fiercest competition in athletics. After months of trash talk and bluffing, Britain’s Josh Kerr and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen will square off on Saturn for the first time in 2024 , this game may become an eternal contest.
Cole had bragging rights when he shocked Ingebritsson by winning the 1,500m world title in Budapest last August. However, reigning Olympic champion Ingebritsson insists he was ill at the time.
In a race over a mile at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore., both men are hoping to leave a major mark ahead of the Paris Olympics. The previous winter, Cole had accused his rival of having “deficiencies on the track and in his demeanor” and of being surrounded by “yes people.” Ingebritsson claimed that if healthy, he could beat Cole blindfolded.
For now, though, Cole insists he’s only focused on the track. “I had some fun over the winter and maybe some of the things I said were a little loose – that’s probably an understatement,” he said. “But I’m here now to work, not to talk. I’m here to be the best in the world.
A world record isn’t entirely out of the question, as Ingebrigtsen became the third-fastest man in history with a time of 3 minutes, 43.73 seconds – just 0.6 seconds off Hicham El-Guerrouj’s record from 1999 – while American Yared Neguse finished second. fourth. Cole has never run an ultra-fast mile, but he hopes to change that after breaking the indoor two-mile world record in February.
However, if the race turns tactical, another Briton, Jake Wightman, who won the 1500m world title in Eugene in 2022 by beating Ingebrigtsen, cannot be ruled out. The injury missed most of 2023. Whiteman ran 1:44.10 in the 800m last week, a result that shows he is approaching his best time. But the competition is so fierce that several others may be surprised as well.
“When I compete against these guys, that’s what drives me to get out of the gate and perform at my best,” said Kerr, who insisted an early clash between the titans in an Olympic year would be good for the sport.
“Some people are afraid of competing against certain athletes at certain points in the season, and I understand that. The mental battle continues, but for people, the competition is important — that’s what makes these back and forths happen. .
“It’s no surprise that Jacob has brought out the best in me recently in my career,” he said. “But I finally feel confident in what I do and my consistency, and I’m ready to be the athlete I’ve always wanted to be.”
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Another potential dark horse, Commonwealth 1500m champion Oliver Haore, predicted he would be burned. “This will be a big deal for a lot of egotistical people. You can’t disrespect the field. If you do, you’ll be eaten alive.
Several other Britons were also campaigning in Eugene. They include Dina Asher-Smith and Darryl Netta, who will face world champion Shakari Richardson and Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Hera in the 100m, as well as Keeley Hodge Kimson and Gemma Rickey, who will face world champion Marie Mora in the 800m.
