It is only six days until one of Norway’s big gold hopes runs his first of probably five races in the World Athletics Championships, with an attempt at 1500 meters. For the first time, it happens without anyone else from the famous Ingebrigtsen family present. Henrik is not qualified after last year’s injuries, Filip had to retire due to an Achilles injury, and Gjert Ingebrigtsen is no longer the brothers’ coach – nor is he in the USA as coach for Narve Gilje Nordås. But Jakob Ingebrigtsen claims he does not notice the big difference. – There are probably not many changes. We have mostly had to make our own choices in our careers for as long as I can remember. And then you also have to face the consequences. Sometimes you do it not so well and then you have to stand in it, and other times you can make it better, says the 21-year-old. – No one to think anything about – How come no one should think something in advance or put up with something afterwards? – There is no one to think anything about anyway, so it is not something that changes, he answers. GOOD CONDITIONS: The athletics stadium inside Berkeley University is around 100 years old and is Norway’s permanent training ground before the World Cup in Eugene. Photo: Hanne Skjellum / news He is in Berkeley just north of San Francisco where the Norwegian squad has pre-camp before they travel to Eugene. In the WC, it is sports manager Erlend Slokvik who has the main responsibility for Jakob Ingebrigtsen. – Jakob is so experienced that we just have to make sure he has what he needs. He has very simple requirements in relation to his preparations, says Slokvik. – We are a team fortunately, so I am not completely alone. The Athletics Association brings with it physiotherapists, doctors and the support apparatus you need to perform, so much more than that you do not need to run fast, states the gold medal winner from Tokyo. – Do you feel that you have to take extra responsibility for yourself in a way? – No. – Have you always had that responsibility for yourself? – Yes. TRAIN ALONE: Jakob Ingebrigtsen takes responsibility for the training sessions in the USA. Photo: Hanne Skjellum / news Still thinking about Doha He seems relatively confident ahead of what is already his third World Cup. Since mid-June, he and big brother Henrik have been at the height of Flagstaff, Arizona, making the penultimate preparations. Now he will sharpen the last form “with a quality session every two or three days”. – I have done it infinitely many times, so it’s almost like I do not have to look at the plan. I have done it very many times. But he has no medals from the World Cup outdoors. In Doha now three years ago, it was a fourth place in 1500 meters and a fifth place in 5000 meters. He’s still thinking about that. INFECTION MEASURES: The bandages are on again after three people in the Norwegian support apparatus have tested positive for Covid in the USA. Photo: Hanne Skjellum / news – Of course I always think of times I have done badly and the feeling that you have not succeeded is very deep, admits Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who according to the plan ends the championship with 5000 meters. – It’s a bit like everything gets a little sharper when big things are approaching, but I really want to do well in that championship here. The 1500 meter trial runs until next Sunday at 03.30 Norwegian time.
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