"Of course, I am disappointed"- Jakob Ingebrigtsen breaks silence after missing out on 1500m podium at Paris Olympics

Jakob Ingebrigtsen finished fourth in the men's 1500m at the Paris Olympics thereby failing to defend his Olympic gold medal. The Norwegian athlete expressed disappointment in his performance and went on to congratulate the medal winners after the final.

Having won the event in Tokyo 2020, Jakob Ingebrigtsen was considered to be one of the top prospects for the 1500m Olympic gold medal alongside Josh Kerr taking into account their performances early in the outdoor season of the Olympic year.

The 23-year-old began the race with great momentum and led at a great pace until the final home stretch where athletes Josh Kerr and Cole Hocker began their last kick and took hold of the lead in the race.

USA's Cole Hocker pulled through in the last 10m of the race to better Josh Kerr and win his first Olympic medal, breaking Ingebrigtsen's Olympic record with a time of 3:27.65. Kerr clocked a new National record and took the silver medal with a time of 3:27.79 while USA's Yared Nguse won the bronze medal after clocking 3:27.80.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen finished fourth with a time of 3:28.24, which was actually better than what he clocked in Tokyo. The Norwegian athlete took to Instagram to express his thoughts on the race while also congratulating the medalists.

"Well, I guess he did show up after all…! Hocker and Nuguse as well. My team always say that 'because you have a big mouth and is the one to beat, you have everything to lose in competitions'. Today, Cole Hocker, Yared Nuguse and Josh Kerr outsmarted me. They were “the best guys” when it really mattered. And I want to congratulate them all on a great performance! Of course, I am disappointed!," he said.

Moreover, he thanked his team and fans for their support throughout the Olympic year.

"I sincerely want to express my gratitude and love to them and the rest of the team, and to my partners and the Norwegian athletics association and all my followers for the support this year. Thank you so much. It means a lot to me!," he added.

What is next for Jakob Ingebrigtsen at the Paris Olympics?

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 11 - Source: Getty

After missing out on the podium in the men's 1500m at the Paris Olympics, Jakob Ingebrigtsen will be competing in the men's 5000m heats on August 7, 2024. Ingebrigtsen will be competing in heat no 2 in a quest to qualify for the final in the men's 5000m.

The men's 5000m heats will be commencing at 5:10 am ET. After world-record holder and reigning Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei withdrew from the men's 5000m, we will be witnessing a new champion in the event.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen will be continuing to keep his Paris Olympic medal dreams alive in the 5000m as expressed by him in his Instagram post.