"I'm mostly focused on the 1500m"-Jakob Ingebrigtsen unveils his plans for Paris Olympics after Prefontaine Classic loss to rival Josh Kerr

Jakob Ingebrigtsen shared his plans to snatch a double podium in the 1500m and 5000m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Norwegian recently lost to his rival Josh Kerr in the Bowerman Mile at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic.

Ingebrigtsen, 23, holds the indoor world record in the 2000m and 1500m. The Norwegian won the 1500m gold at the Tokyo Olympics after clocking a time of 3:28:32, thus setting a new Olympic record. However, the 23-year-old's 1500m win streak was broken by Jake Wightman at the 2022 World Championships, and further by Josh Kerr at the 2023 World Championships.

Ingebrigsten was on an eight-month-long hiatus until he returned to compete in the Bowerman Mile at the 2024 Eugene Diamond League. However, he narrowly lost to Kerr, who clocked 3:45:34 compared to his timing of 3:45:60.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is next scheduled to compete at the Oslo Diamond League, which will take place on May 30. Speaking ahead of the event, the Norwegian unveiled his Paris Olympic plans, claiming his prime focus would be on the 1500m event while also hoping that he would have a chance of doing well in the 5000m competition if he was in good shape.

"I'm mostly focused on the 1500m. I see it as one shot but then again it's nice to have two competitions. If I'm in very good shape and strong then it gives me a good possibility to do well in the 5000m."

Jakob Ingebrigtsten: “I think I’m going to win both in Paris" -

Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic

Jakob Ingebrigtsen also backed himself to win both the 1500m and 5000m at the Paris Olympics, adding that he would have to be "flawless" in the forthcoming couple of months.

"I think I’m going to win both in Paris. But if that is to happen, I really need to have a flawless next two months, which I believe that I’m able to do.”

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has an impressive Diamond League record so far, with three golds to his name. The Norwegian won the 1500m in 2022 while clinching two golds in 2023 (3000m and mile). He is currently fourth in the overall world rankings in track and field. Ingebrigtsen remains first in 1500m while being fifth in 5000m.