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A Historic Night in Middle-Distance Running
World records in athletics often stand the test of time, lasting for years, sometimes even decades. However, on Thursday night in Liévin, France, Norwegian middle-distance sensation Jakob Ingebrigtsen defied expectations, setting a new indoor mile world record with an astonishing time of 3:45.14. In doing so, he erased the mark set just five days earlier by American runner Yared Nuguse, who clocked 3:46.63 at the Millrose Games in New York City.
Dual Records in One Race
Not only did Ingebrigtsen break the indoor mile record, but he also shattered the indoor 1,500-meter world record in the same race. Passing through the 1,500m mark in 3:29.63, he comfortably surpassed his previous record 3:30.60, which he had set three years earlier.
“The main objective was to go sub-3:30 in the 1,500m and then maintain the pace through the final stretch,” Ingebrigtsen stated after his record-breaking performance. “I’m happy to have achieved both records in the same race.”
A Dominant Performance on the Track
This race marked Ingebrigtsen’s indoor season debut, his first time competing in an indoor mile event. The 24-year-old showcased his signature front-running style, controlling the pace from the outset and leaving his competitors far behind. By the finish, he held a 50-meter advantage over the field, crossing the line more than seven seconds ahead of runner-up Stefan Nillessen from the Netherlands. Cathal Doyle of Ireland claimed third place.
A Stark Contrast to Nuguse’s Record Run
Unlike Ingebrigtsen’s dominant solo effort, Nuguse faced fierce competition at the Millrose Games, where Hobbs Kessler pushed him to the limit. Both American runners surpassed the previous indoor mile record, which had stood for six years. However, Ingebrigtsen’s exceptional performance in France has reset the standard, adding another world record to his impressive résumé.
ingebrigtsen’s Growing Legacy in Middle-Distance Running
The Norwegian phenom already holds the 3,000m world record and has set world bests in the 2,000m and two-mile events. His continued dominance has made him a central figure in the ever-evolving landscape of middle-distance running.
The intense rivalry between Ingebrigtsen, Nuguse, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr, and USA’s Cole Hocker is expected to heat up, especially in the build-up to the highly anticipated World Championships in Tokyo this September.
Redemption After Paris Olympics Disappointment
At last year’s Paris Olympics, Ingebrigtsen experienced a rare setback, finishing fourth in the 1,500m final, where Hocker stunned the world by taking gold, followed by Kerr and Nuguse. However, the Norwegian rebounded spectacularly, securing the 5,000m Olympic gold medal just days later.
“This race was about testing myself, evaluating my training, and assessing my fitness level,” Ingebrigtsen explained. “I’m fortunate to be able to execute my plans precisely and achieve my goals.”
A Rare Feat in Athletics History
According to World Athletics, Ingebrigtsen became the first athlete since Australian John Landy in 1954 to break the mile and 1,500m world records in the same race. The governing body will formally ratify his achievements, cementing his place in the record books.
As the track and field season progresses, all eyes will be on Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who continues to push the boundaries of middle-distance running. With Tokyo 2025 on the horizon, his latest record-breaking performance sets the stage for an electrifying year ahead.
