Norwegian middle-distance sensation Jakob Ingebrigtsen is facing a potential delay to the start of his 2025 outdoor season due to a lingering Achilles tendon issue, with reports suggesting he might miss the highly anticipated Oslo Diamond League meeting.
The Oslo Bislett Games, a key stop on the 2025 Wanda Diamond League circuit, are scheduled for June 12th, 2025, at the iconic Bislett Stadion in Oslo, Norway.
As the sixth meeting of the season, the event is set to draw some of the world’s elite track and field athletes. The possible absence of Ingebrigtsen, a national hero, would be a significant setback for the home crowd and event organizers.
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the reigning Olympic champion has been experiencing persistent Achilles discomfort that could force him to postpone his season debut. While no official withdrawal has been announced, sources indicate that his participation in the Oslo Diamond League is now in serious doubt.
“This isn’t the kind of setback you rush through,” an unnamed source told NRK, emphasizing the cautious approach being taken by Ingebrigtsen’s team. “Jakob and his team are prioritizing long-term health and performance over a quick return.”
The 24-year-old Ingebrigtsen is a major draw for the Oslo meet, and his absence would undoubtedly be felt both on the track and among the enthusiastic home fans. However, there remains hope that he will be able to recover and compete later in the season.
A statement from Ingebrigtsen’s spokesperson further confirmed the concerns:
“Jakob has suffered a slight injury to his Achilles. He has therefore postponed the planned trip to the mountains, and there is uncertainty as to whether he will make it to Bislett.”
Ingebrigtsen had reportedly planned to potentially attempt world records in either the mile or the 5000m at the Oslo Diamond League. He has not competed since his impressive victories in the 1500m and 3000m at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China.
Looking ahead, he was recently announced as part of the Bowerman Mile field on July 5th and is also scheduled to race his main rival, reigning 1500m World champion Josh Kerr, in a 1500m at the London Diamond League on July 19th.
Furthermore, an Achilles issue also forced Ingebrigtsen to miss the entire 2024 indoor season, and he did not begin his outdoor campaign until the Prefontaine Classic in late May of that year.
Track and field enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Ingebrigtsen’s recovery and his revised competition schedule as the Diamond League season progresses.
