17-year-old Jakob Ingebrigtsen wins 2018 European 1500 title

by LetsRun.com
August 10, 2018

17-year-old Jakob Ingebrigtsen is the European 1500m champion.

Racing with his two older and more credentialed brothers, Filip and Henrik, Jakob went to the front 700m into the race and would never give up the lead after that.* As he powered down the homestretch and approached the line, he glanced to his right and was just able to hold off a fast close from Marcin Lewandowski of Poland to get the win in 3:38.10 to Lewandowski’s 3:38.14 as Jake Wightman of Great Britain moved up for 3rd.

Pre-race there was talk of a possible Ingebrigtsen medal sweep, but the youngest Ingebrigtsen was the only one of the brothers on the podium as Henrik finished 4th and Filip, who medalled at the Worlds last year but fell in the prelims here, faded to 12th down the homestretch.

After the finish Jakob seemed to be in a state of shock. He had no emotion on his face for 47 seconds as he was not sure he won until he finally saw it on the big board. He then he started to celebrate and said, “I can’t believe it,” and ran to get a Norwegian flag. He did not connect with his brothers until he was well on his victory lap.

Up next for Jakob is tomorrow’s 5,000m final. This is a flash recap. The full race video is below.

Article continues below player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJWRF8V0Ne8

If the full race video gets taken down from YoutTube, below are screenshots from the race for those of you that didn’t watch it and video of finish. Click on an image and it will enlarge.

ingebrigtsen-13

Filip was the favorite but faded in the final 100 Filip was the favorite but faded in the final 100

ingebrigtsen-2

Fill out the BetterRunningShoes.com shoe survey and we will enter you into a drawing a free pair of shoes.
Overall
/10
Comfort
/10
Cushioning
/10
Durability
/10
Appearance
/10
Value
/10
The Ingebrigtsens went out in the back The Ingebrigtsens went out in the back

ingebrigtsen-4

ingebrigtsen-5

The Ingebrigtsens made a big move to the front between 600 and 600 The Ingebrigtsens made a big move to the front between 600 and 700

ingebrigtsen-7

Jakob got the lead by 800 and never gave it up Jakob got the lead by 800 and never gave it up
The bell The bell
The 1-2-3 sweep was still alive on the backstretch The 1-2-3 sweep was still alive on the backstretch
The final turn The final turn
Jakob gapped the field coming off the final turn Jakob gapped the field coming off the final turn
And held off a late charge from Lewandowski who went from 6th to 2nd in the closing meters And held off a late charge from Lewandowski, who went from 6th to 2nd in the closing meters
Jakob turned to his right at the finish to make sure he won but then showed zero emotion for 47 seconds Jakob turned to his right at the finish to make sure he won but then showed zero emotion for 47 seconds
Then he started to celebrate and said, "I can't believe it," in English. Then he started to celebrate and said, “I can’t believe it” in English.

ingebrigtsen-15

Overhead video of final 100m and side by side of final 20:

Results Results

 

*Splits here. Technically Jakob was .04 behind at the bell but he was in lane 1.

Talk about the race on our messageboard:

Want More? Join The Supporters Club Today
Support independent journalism and get:
  • Exclusive Access to VIP Supporters Club Content
  • Bonus Podcasts Every Friday
  • Free LetsRun.com Shirt (Annual Subscribers)
  • Exclusive Discounts
  • Enhanced Message Boards