The phrase “things can change in the blink of an eye” has never been more true for those following indoor track recently.
In a swift turnaround, Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen set the indoor mile world record just five days after American Yared Nuguse broke the record — one that had been uncontested for six years.
The 3:45.14 record was set on Feb. 13 by Ingebrigtsen, a middle- and long-distance runner, in Liévin, France at the World Indoor Tour meet. This time stands in sharp contrast to Nuguse’s previous record of 3:46.63. Those in the track world are aware of the difference even a fraction of a second can make, let alone over a whole second.
“You win some you lose some [… it] was a lit five days,” Nuguse posted to his Instagram story.
Nuguse’s record was set at the Millrose Games held at the Nike Track & Field Center at the Armory in New York City. The record was previously held by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, who ran a 3:47.01 in 2019.
Five days after Nuguse’s record was set, Ingebrigtsen shaved this time down and also went on to set an indoor 1500-meter world record in the same race, with a time of 3:29.63. This is a feat that has not happened since 1954 when Australian John Landy set world records for the mile and 1500m in the same race.
While it was the 24-year-old’s first time racing an indoor mile, he certainly did not let this show. He held an advantage of about 50 meters at the finish line.
“This race […] was all about testing myself, seeing where I’m at, how my training’s been going and seeing my fitness,” Ingebrigtsen said. “Of course, I’m very lucky to be in the position where I can put out a good plan, but also follow that plan exactly and do all the right things to make it happen.”
A new wave of technology has helped launch runners like Nuguse and Ingebrigtsen in ways never seen before. For Nuguse, this came from the track surface at New York’s Armory, which, according to its manufacturer, was designed for shock absorption and energy return. Similarly, the track in Liévin was installed with a new innovation known as Wavelight, a metronomic pacing system. A runner, with a string of lights, is able to know the exact pace they must follow to beat a record.
Furthermore, the improvement of track spikes, known as super spike shoes, feature soles with improvements such as springy foams and rigid plates, aiding in the drop in times as well.
Of course, Ingebrigtsen’s talent is not to be underestimated. The runner’s extensive list of accomplishments includes being the world record holder in the short track 1500-meter, short track mile, 2000-meter, 3000-meter and two-mile distance race. The two-time Olympic gold medalist does not shy away from world records.
“It is possible to break every record,” the runner daringly claimed in the past.
Last year’s Paris Olympics, however, came as a disappointment to Ingebrigtsen. The 1500m race ended with an upset, as United States’ Cole Hocker took home a surprising gold medal, with Great Britain’s Josh Kerr and Nuguse following, leaving Ingebrigtsen at fourth. He was able to bounce back and win gold in the 5000 meters. He also has a gold medal in the 1500m from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
More recently, Ingebrigtsen has developed what seems to be a blooming rivalry between Nuguse and himself. He took to Instagram after breaking the world record.
“Sorry @yaredthegoose!” Ingebrigtsen posted after his race. “Looking forward to race you. Best, Jakgoat.”
Ingebrigtsen has been surrounded by competition from the start. Ingebrigtsen, one of seven siblings, is not the only athlete in the family: he and his two brothers, Henrik and Filip, are all professional middle-distance runners and Olympians. As the youngest of his three brothers, the influence and inspiration Ingebrigtsen has received has been enough to propel the Norwegian to personal and ambitious goals.
Track-and-field fans have also been quick to point out Ingebrigtsen’s sticker-esque tattoos as well. Some of those include a crescent moon, a compass, a palm tree, the face of a dog and a serpent. While the 24-year-old does not have much to say as to their meaning, he speaks to the opinions of his ink.
“What’s so funny about athletics is that the normal fan is like a Ferrari fan. They’re purists,” Ingebrigtsen said in an interview with him and his older brother. “They want the sport to be like how it used to be: white singlets, split shorts and mustache.”
It is clear the Norwegian stirs the world of track-and-field, not only with his record-setting but also with his self-assertive statements. Regardless of how one feels about these statements, one thing is clear: Ingebrigtsen brings a streak of excitement to a sport that has been dormant when it comes to setting records.
