Neither Jake Wightman or Josh Kerr will run in the European Championships

Source? Extremely disappointing if true.

Whoever you root for, Jakob or Kerr, you cannot deny that Jakob loves to race and shows up.

Agreed. Why would they skip Euros?!?! What a disappointment. I mean, you can’t even race the 8???

It’s true, it’s on the British Athletics Instagram page. While it’s disappointing for sure, the 1500m at least has Neil Gourley to contend for a medal (as well as Adam Fogg). The men’s 800m team is super disappointing with Giles being the only notable name on the squad. I’m excited to see what George Mills can do in the 5000m too as I was expecting him to contend the 1500m.

Paris 1500 has 3 rounds.with its QT of mid 3.33 no round will be easy for anyone. That's surely relevant to UK big hitters opting out of Euros. Is Jakob doing euros?

Jakob is doubling in the 1500m and 5000m in Rome.

The UK 1500m team is exceptionally competitive to make, with no room for error. I also suspect that both Wightman and Kerr think they have tactical advantages over Jakob and want to show him as little as possible. Seems like a no brainer tbh

They already kicked his ass when it mattered, no need to show up at minor level championships just to win easy medals.

Yeah although it’s disappointing for fans, it’s sensible. They will have a very specific race schedule designed to peak in August. With minimal injury risk - especially for Jake just coming back from injury.

I don’t think it’s sensible for Jacob to race this Thursday after Eugene on Saturday and then to double up in Rome? After an Achilles injury I’d expect a bit more caution. But good for viewers and his fans.

I might challenge this.

He’s behind due to time lost this winter. I suspect he’s using these races as a sharpener to replace a specific session. Also get used to racing again.

i could be wrong but even when not injured, he races a lot.

Your worrying on Jakob´s behalf is really touching.

By the way: Kerr has NEVER run in the European senior champs to my knowledge. He participated in the U20 X country in Chia 2016 where he placed a respectable 32 sec behind 16 years old Jakob.

Here is a link if it is not too painful for you to watch

The 19 year old Kerr is coming in around minute 22.

Jakob called Oslo his “home Diamond League” so I think feels obligated to do that one for the fans.

And the Ingebrigtsens have always valued Euro champs, going back to when they had the TV show.

Josh was super awkward in avoiding the question about Euros last week after the race.

Has Jakob been confirmed?

He is.

One point re Jakob is that he seems to feel some responsibility for popularizing the sport by showing up to compete as, ego aside, he sees himself as one of the recognisable global names. I think that is partly why he is very supportive at euro level. Kerr isn't in that category yet, last Saturdays 3.45 win notwithstanding.

Question to the wise (?) people on the forum: Is it a benefit for Kerr not to run DL Oslo and Euro vs Jakob?

Of course lower risk of injuries for Kerr and he get a solid training block for the next weeks while Jakob will have 4 x 1,500 m + 2 x 5,000 m next weeks.
At the same time Jakob can likely run many of them more as fast-paced training runs, rather than hitting full speed. And might be what he needs to get in into competition shape?

Thoughts?

It’s not uncommon at all to skip the Euros during an Olympic year, and I’m actually surprised that Jakob is running them.

I'm not surprised Kerr and Wightman are skipping but I am surprised that Jacob is running, especially doubling. I guess he sees it as part of his sharpening, but it seems risky.

The champs are a regional competition. They aren't a personal contest between two runners.