Jakob Ingebrigtsen is the most successful man in European Championship history [Getty Images] Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he is "very" disappointed Britain's Josh Kerr is not competing at the European Championships, claiming that athletes who choose to miss major competitions are "ruining" the sport. Ingebrigtsen secured a stunning 5,000m gold on his long-awaited return from injury on Monday, becoming the joint-most successful athlete in European Championships history. After 11 months out of competition, during which he underwent surgery on his Achilles, the 25-year-old wasted no time in reigniting his fierce rivalry with Kerr. Last month, Kerr smashed the mile world record, which had stood for 27 years, before winning Commonwealth gold over the distance on home soil in Glasgow. The Scot made clear the Europeans were never part of his plans this season, but Ingebrigtsen believes Kerr should have been able to include it in his schedule. Speaking to BBC Sport, Ingebrigtsen was complimentary of Kerr's record-breaking performance in London but said he "could never" prioritise a time over a title. "Of course I am going to go for times, but I don't think you have to do one or the other," Ingebrigtsen said. Asked if he was disappointed Kerr is not racing in Birmingham, he added: "Very - and I think a lot of people should be, because that is what championships are all about. "It's not for us as athletes to choose almost where to participate. We have these championships for a reason, and that is for the best athletes to compete - that is the whole point. "So I definitely think it is ruining the sport if we are not participating. We all have different plans, but I could never see myself in that position."
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The rivalry between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen has developed into one of the sport's most compelling storylines over recent years. Having taken Olympic 1500m bronze behind gold medal-winner Ingebrigtsen five years ago, Kerr stunned his rival at the World Championships in Budapest in 2023 to set up one of the most eagerly-anticipated showdowns of the Paris 2024 Olympics. As their war of words continued in the lead-up to that event, Ingebrigtsen claimed he could beat Kerr blindfolded when fully fit, while Kerr said the Norwegian had "flaws on the track and in the manners realm" and is surrounded by "yes men". In giving everything to defeat the other, they were beaten to gold by American Cole Hocker. Things have cooled since then as Ingebrigtsen struggled with injury, but he has announced his return to the top by winning a record seventh European Championship gold - his 20th major international track title since 2018. Ingebrigtsen said Kerr's record-breaking run was an "extremely good race" and "a very strong performance". But, in weighing up whether he feels that is as important as winning titles, he said: "I think both are as big, but it is not like we only have one race in our legs. "Everything comes down to what you want to do. People go to work every day. It is not like because you are a professional runner you can't work every day."