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Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen handily won the 2022 Munich European Athletics Championships 5000m. It is the second consecutive title at the distance and its his seventh overall European title.
The 21-year-old dropped a final lap in the time of 53.8 seconds. In so doing, he held off the serious challenge from Spain’s Mohamed Katir. The reigning world 5000m champion recorded a 13:21.13 performance to Katir’s 13:22.98. Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa took bronze in the time of 13:24.83, improving upon his fourth-place finish in Berlin four years ago.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen successfully defended his @EuroAthletics 5000m title at #Munich2022 in 13:21.13. He ran his last lap in 53.8 seconds to beat Mohamed Katir of Spain. Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa got the bronze.
— David Monti (@d9monti) August 16, 2022
📷@janemonti1 for Race Results Weekly pic.twitter.com/dS2gGvMzR3
“It feels great to be back and win, it is special,” Ingebrigtsen said after the race. “It brings back the memories of Berlin.”
As usual, Ingebrigtsen sat near the back during the first few laps. His patience paid off as he worked his way through the crowd to the front. When fellow Norwegian, Narve Gilje Nordas took off during the first kilometre, Ingebrigtsen held back.
He avoided making any moves and stayed away from the physical element of the race including when France’s Hugo Hay was tripped up, falling onto the track. Ingebrigtsen deftly stepped onto the infield maintaining his momentum.
With approximately one kilometre remaining Ingebrigtsen picked up the pace to move into the lead. He then ran a 60.9 second lap, and Katir and Crippa hung on.
“Everybody has expectations and you have to learn how to deal with them,” he said. “I believe in myself and I believe in the things I have done before.”
He ran the final lap in 59.7 seconds. The injection of pace cost Crippa, but Katir was following Ingebrigtsen closely. The Spaniard was just off the Norwegian’s shoulder. Coming out of the final bend and the homestretch Ingebrigtsen pulled away.
“I felt strong in the last lap, and went for it,” said Katir. “To be honest, I am pleased with the silver medal, especially because it is my first medal at the European level.”
