(Reuters) – Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen bounced back from defeat in the 1,500 metres to win the Olympic 5,000 metres gold with a fierce final lap yesterday, just as he did in the last two world championships.
Ingebrigtsen was the defending Olympic champion over 1,500 but was run out of the medals and was determined to make amends in the longer distance, having taking gold over 5,000 in the last two world championships after also losing in his favourite event.
His rivals played into his hands yesterday by running most of the race at pedestrian pace, keeping the huge field of 22 together until the last few laps.
Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet, who became the second-fastest man ever over the distance this year, finally put his foot down with 600 metres to go and the race was on.
Ingebrigtsen was initially caught in the pack, but did not panic, easing his way through and onto the leader’s shoulder and then forging ahead with 250 to go to come home well clear in 13 minutes 13.66.
Kenya’s Ronald Kwemoi got ahead in a charge for the line to take silver with American Grant Fisher adding a brilliant bronze to the one he picked up in the 10,000, as his country’s highly impressive campaign over the middle and long distances continued.
“For me the 5,000m is over triple my usual distance, so it was a very tough race,” Ingebrigtsen told reporters. “With the level being so high, people are running so fast this year, I knew I had to be at my very best to be able to fight for medals.
“I just tried to stay calm, went for it, I was able to catch up. Just an amazing feeling. The contrast in sports is unique. When you succeed, and sometimes you have a bad experience. It’s amazing to have this.”
Speaking about his comeback from 1,500m disappointment, he added: “When you hit a wall and don’t perform the way you want to, it’s very difficult. But for me, I’m participating in two events in Paris. I got another shot, I just had to make the most of it.”
