Timothy Cheruiyot, the 2019 World 1500m champion, has acknowledged Jakob Ingebrigtsen as his toughest competitor. Despite the presence of other formidable athletes such as Josh Kerr and Cole Hocker, Cheruiyot singled out the Norwegian as the one who has proven most challenging to beat in recent years.
The two athletes have shared the track in numerous high-profile races, and Cheruiyot, who dominated the 1500m scene for a long period, recalled that when they first competed against each other, it was always Cheruiyot who came out on top. At the 2019 World Championships, Cheruiyot won the 1500m gold, while Ingebrigtsen finished a distant fourth. Furthermore, in various Diamond League meets before Cheruiyot’s injury, he also defeated the Norwegian in several encounters.
However, Cheruiyot’s dominance began to wane after a significant injury in 2022. That year, during the World Championships, Cheruiyot struggled and finished a disappointing sixth, while Ingebrigtsen claimed the silver medal. This shift continued into 2023, with Cheruiyot failing to make the final, while Ingebrigtsen finished in second place.
Cheruiyot has openly admitted that Ingebrigtsen’s success is not just a result of natural talent, but of strategic adaptation. According to Cheruiyot, the Norwegian has adopted some of the same tactics that Cheruiyot used to defeat him in their earlier encounters. In particular, Cheruiyot noted that Ingebrigtsen learned from his 2019 World Championship win, where the Kenyan used a front-running strategy to take the gold. Now, Ingebrigtsen has perfected this tactic, often leading from the front and using his speed and endurance to wear down competitors.
Cheruiyot mentioned that he has always kept a close eye on his rivals, a key to his success in the sport. “I’m always monitoring my opponents,” Cheruiyot said. “My toughest opponent for now is Jakob. He started beating me when I was having an injury but I also see him coming up fast.”
Ingebrigtsen’s consistency and resilience, especially during Cheruiyot’s injury struggles, have propelled him to the forefront of the distance running world. Cheruiyot pointed out that the Norwegian now has more endurance than he does, which has been one of the crucial factors in his superior performances in recent seasons.
Looking ahead, Cheruiyot has expressed interest in transitioning to the 5000m event, a move that will see him square off with Ingebrigtsen once again. The Norwegian has proven his dominance in the 5000m, winning World Championship titles in 2022 and 2023, as well as claiming gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This shift in events promises even more exciting battles between the two athletes, who have already shown a great deal of mutual respect and understanding of each other’s tactics.
Cheruiyot’s move to the 5000m would mark a new chapter in his career, but Ingebrigtsen will undoubtedly remain a formidable challenge. The rivalry between these two elite athletes is set to continue for years to come, with Cheruiyot aiming to find new ways to outlast and outsmart the Norwegian. Whether in the 1500m or 5000m, the competition between these two distance running giants promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
