Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr will reignite their fierce middle-distance rivalry at the London Athletics Meet on Saturday, July 19.
At just 24, Jakob Ingebrigtsen has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest middle-distance runners in history. The Norwegian star has an impressive resume, including Olympic gold in the 1500m in Tokyo 2021 and 5000m victory in Paris 2024. Despite finishing fourth in the 1500m at the last Olympics, Ingebrigtsen bounced back with a dominant 5000m win.
After losing to Jake Wightman at the 2022 World Championships and Kerr in 2023, Ingebrigtsen responded each time by securing 5000m gold. He holds world records in the indoor 1500m (3:29.63), indoor mile (3:45.14), 2000m (4:43.13), and 3000m (7:17.55), along with the fastest two-mile time ever recorded (7:54.10). His European 1500m record (3:26.73) ranks as the fourth-fastest in history.
Fresh off double gold at the 2025 World Indoor Championships (1500m and 3000m), Ingebrigtsen is eager to reassert his dominance.
“I love racing, and the London Diamond League perfectly fits my schedule.,” he said.
“My focus is on the summer and winning global gold in Tokyo. Competing in London is crucial, I know the atmosphere will be incredible.”
Reigning world champion and Olympic silver medallist, Josh Kerr has emerged as Ingebrigtsen’s fiercest rival. The Scottish star stunned the athletics world with his Budapest 2023 victory, dethroning the Norwegian in a tactical masterclass. Since then, Kerr has soared, winning world indoor 3000m gold in Glasgow 2024 and Olympic silver in Paris 2024.
Kerr set a new British 1500m record (3:27.79) in Paris, claimed the world indoor two-mile best (8:00.67), and shattered the British mile record (3:45.34). Now, he seeks to solidify his status as the era’s premier 1500m runner.
“I’ve never shied away from wanting to be the best,” Kerr declared.
“Winning more titles and running faster times is the goal. Defending my world title in Tokyo is everything, and racing in London is part of that mission.”
The London Athletics Meet is the 11th event of the 2025 Wanda Diamond League, the world’s biggest one-day event. The Diamond League features 15 prestigious global track and field events, offering a record $9.24 million in prize money. The series begins in Xiamen on April 26 and concludes with a final in Zurich on August 27-28.
Cherry Alexander OBE, UK Athletics’ Strategic Lead for Events, emphasized the meet’s prestige.
“This year’s event will once again showcase world-class athletes in thrilling head-to-head battles. The demand proves how much fans love live athletics.”